Undetected (Treasure Hunter Security Book 8) Page 14

  He covered her mouth with his, and this time, he didn’t hear the cheers. There was only Darcy.

  Darcy rolled over in bed, golden Denver sunshine shining through the blinds she’d forgotten to close the night before.

  Warm skin pressed against her back and a hand slid into her panties, stroking between her legs.

  She moaned, trying to roll to face Alastair. But he held her in place, her back pressed to his front.

  “Be careful of your leg,” she said.

  He kissed her neck, his diabolical fingers still caressing her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  A month had passed since the final showdown with Diana Acton and Silk Road. The wound on his thigh was much better, but still healing. Her cuts had scabbed over and healed. She’d have scars, but Darcy was too happy to care.

  Alastair had worked hard for several weeks to wrap up the Silk Road case. The FBI, with some behind-the-scenes help—she suspected from Team 52, but Alastair hadn’t said—had dismantled the last of the syndicate’s operations. William Acton was locked away and not getting out for a very long time.

  Diana Acton’s private collection had been found. Certain items had been locked away, others returned to their rightful owners, and the rest donated to certain museums. The Dashwood Museum had received some choice pieces in lieu of the Black Orlov.

  Alastair had transferred to the FBI office in Denver and was still working for the Art Crime Team. He was also enjoying the opportunity to work with Elin again.

  His fingers stroked higher and Darcy moaned. He found her clit and sensations rocketed through her. Her thoughts scattered.

  This time, she pushed harder and rolled to face him. She nudged him onto his back and climbed on top.

  “You’re still recovering.” She straddled his thighs. “I’ll have to do all the work.”

  His gaze was at half mast, a smile on his lips. He was smiling a lot more these days. “If you expect me to complain, you’re wrong.”

  She gripped her shirt—his T-shirt—and yanked it over her head. Then she quickly rose and shimmied out of her panties.

  He lay there, stretched out on the bed watching her. The unabashed appreciation in his eyes turned her on. She let her gaze slide down that sexy body of his. She reached out and scratched her nails over his hard abs.

  All hers.

  She lifted her hips and sank down on his thick cock. She moaned. She loved being filled up by him.

  “I’ve never seen anything sexier—” his voice was a deep drawl “—than you taking me inside your hot little body.”

  Darcy leaned forward, pressing her palms to his chest, and started riding him. They’d both had health checks and had ditched the condoms. She loved having nothing between them. “Alastair—”

  “Faster, Darcy.” His hands clamped on her hips.

  “So bossy.”

  “You love it.”

  “So arrogant.”

  His hand moved lower and found her clit. She bit back a cry, moving faster.

  “Hold on, Darcy,” he ordered. “Don’t come yet.”

  Emotions churned inside her. “I…can’t.” Her release was rushing closer. That sweet, addictive promise of pleasure.

  “I want us to come together,” he said. “Hold it.”

  She moaned, her gaze locking with his.

  He was hers. The man she’d grow old with. The man who’d love her forever. The man who loved her passionately, completely.

  A man she respected, and for all his annoying arrogance, loved and respected her.

  She was so close to coming. “Alastair—”

  “Come. Come now, baby.”

  She threw her head back and cried out.

  As Darcy rode through her pleasure, she heard his long, answering groan as he came. She collapsed against him, careful not to jostle his thigh. He stroked his hands down her back.

  “Damn, I’m so glad I hacked your system, Darcy Ward.”

  She laughed. “Is that what they’re calling it these days?”

  His arms tightened on her. “Love you.”

  “Love you right back, my Agent Arrogant and Slightly-less-annoying.”

  His full-bodied laughter made her smile.

  Alastair looked at Lachlan Hunter’s face on his computer screen.

  “The last of Silk Road’s artifacts have been secured,” Hunter said, over the secure line.

  “Good. Thanks for your help with this. How’s the rest of your team?” Alastair had seen the strange news reports out of LA and suspected Team 52 had been sent in to clean up.

  A faint smile touched the man’s lips. “Busy. And I have a man on leave. On his honeymoon.”

  Alastair smiled. “I know how that goes.”

  Hunter nodded, a warm look moving through his golden eyes. “Me, too.”

  “If you ever need my help, you’ve got it,” Alastair said.

  “Same, Burke. Any time.”

  The screen went black, and Alastair sat back in his chair. He looked at the stack of files on his desk. He planned to power through his work and get home early to cook his woman an extra-special dinner.

  There was a knock on his door and Elin poked her head in.

  “Hey, how’s the new office?”

  “Fine.”

  The woman smiled. “Glad you’re here, Alastair. Although Thom is missing you. He keeps sending me sad emails.”

  “He got a promotion, so he’s too busy to miss me.” Alastair had no doubt he’d work with Thom again someday.

  “And I’m glad you and Darcy finally finished your wild mating dance.” Elin winked and left.

  Alastair shook his head. He had a job he loved, good friends, and a new family. He hadn’t been too sure about inheriting two brothers, but he, Dec, and Cal were working things out. The men liked to offer pointers on dealing with a riled Darcy. He smiled. They also loved to share stories about when she was younger.

  But best of all, Alastair had a woman he loved.

  His gaze moved to the framed picture of him and his mom that was now sitting on his desk. Beside it, was one of him and Darcy. He was sitting in a chair and she was leaning over him from behind, her chin resting on his shoulder. There was a beaming smile on her face.

  “I’m good, Mom. I’m sorry you never got to meet her, but she’s perfect.”

  “Who’s perfect?”

  Darcy’s voice startled him, but he managed to control his reaction. He looked at his monitor and saw her face on the screen.

  “Darcy?”

  “Hello there, handsome.”

  “Please tell me you didn’t hack the FBI’s computer system.”

  “Who me?” She batted her eyelids.

  He wasn’t buying that innocent look at all.

  “I just wanted to see my special agent and say hello.”

  She was so beautiful, and he was such a lucky bastard. “Hi.”

  “I wanted to see if you had time for lunch today?” she asked.

  He glanced at his calendar. “Yeah. I can pick you up at the THS office.”

  She smiled. “Perfect.” She lowered her voice. “And I’ll need you to bring something special for me.”

  That sultry tone made his gut tighten. “Anything.”

  “Can you please bring me a vanilla latte? Extra shot.” She winked and the screen blinked off.

  And Alastair just sat there grinning.

  An hour later, he parked in front of the converted warehouse that housed the THS offices. He grabbed the two trays of coffee he’d picked up from Darcy’s favorite coffee shop, and headed for the front door.

  “Afternoon.”

  Oliver Ward was standing on the front steps.

  “Professor.” Alastair tried not to feel awkward. But he was sleeping with the man’s daughter.

  “Please, Oliver is fine.”

  “Cappuccino?” Alastair held out one of the trays. “I bought extra.”

  Oliver took one. “Clearly, you know my daughter well.”

  Together, they walked insid
e, and the sound of raised voices hit them. Darcy and Dec were arguing.

  “It’s a decent, paying job, Declan.”

  “It’s boring work, Darce. Babysitting some rich woman’s jewelry?” Dec made a gagging sound.

  “I’m sorry it’s not exciting enough for you former Navy SEAL badasses, but we have bills to pay.”

  Alastair stepped into the fray. “Coffee?”

  “Babe.” Darcy hustled over, heels clicking on the floor.

  He held up a latte, but pulled it back as she reached for it. “Kiss first.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and planted her lips on his. She took her time, kissing him thoroughly.

  “God.” Dec was looking at the ceiling.

  “Suck it up, bro,” Darcy said. “On our girls’ nights out, I have to listen to your wife praise your stamina.”

  Layne’s cheeks turned pink.

  Looking pleased with herself, Darcy turned back to Alastair. “How was your morning, Special Agent Burke?”

  “Brilliant.”

  Her face softened. “Happy?”

  “Yeah.”

  “Can I have my latte now?”

  His gaze swiveled to the cup and suddenly he was hit with nerves. “Well…”

  The front door opened. Distracted, Darcy looked past him and smiled at the man who’d entered.

  “Hi, welcome to Treasure Hunter Security, I’m Darcy.”

  “Darcy Ward?” The man, who looked about forty with thinning hair and an expensive suit, stood in the lobby, out of the line of sight of the rest of the THS crew. His gaze skated over Alastair and sharpened on Darcy.

  Instantly, Alastair didn’t like the man.

  She stepped forward. “Yes.”

  The man held up a gun and aimed it at her.

  Alastair stiffened. He took a step back and signaled to Dec, who went on alert. The rest of the THS team tensed, pulling their weapons.

  “My name is Donald Simmons.” The man’s tone was hard and firm. “I’m taking over from Silk Road, and I need some information.”

  Darcy cocked a hip. “Really?”

  No fear. That was his Darcy. “Darcy—” Alastair warned.

  She held her palm up in his direction and kept staring at Simmons. “So, you think now that Silk Road is gone, you’re going to fill the void? Make some money off being an asshole and stealing antiquities?”

  The man’s bushy brows drew together. “Yeah. I want all the information you have on any treasures. The valuable ones.”

  “No.”

  “No?” The man’s face started turning red.

  “I want to drink my latte and have lunch with my man.” She pointed at Alastair. “My hot, FBI Special Agent boyfriend.”

  Simmons’ eyes widened and flicked to Alastair.

  Alastair felt several presences move in behind him.

  Darcy shifted, her hair swinging. “And behind him are my two brothers. Former Navy SEALs.”

  Simmons’ face paled.

  More movement. “And behind them, are my friends and employees. Also former Navy SEALs. Except Morgan, she’s just a badass.”

  Morgan smiled and tossed the man a two-fingered salute.

  Simmons looked green now, and his gun wavered in his hand.

  Darcy moved fast and smacked the gun out of the man’s fingers. Dec and Cal charged forward, quickly subduing the man.

  Darcy swiveled and smiled at Alastair. “Coffee, now.”

  He handed it to her.

  With Darcy in his life, he knew there would always be some drama or adventure going on. He couldn’t wait for more.

  She rattled the cup. “It’s empty.” She frowned. “There’s something in here.”

  “Open it,” he said.

  Raising a brow, she pulled off the lid. Then her mouth fell open. She reached in and pulled out the diamond ring. It was a simple, elegant design—a platinum band with a single, large princess-cut stone.

  Her gaze met his. “Alastair.”

  “Be mine, Darcy Ward.” He grabbed her hand. “Make a life with me. Forever.”

  He took the ring from her slightly trembling fingers and lifted her left hand.

  Her eyes glimmered. “Yes, my Agent Arrogant and Annoying. I’ll marry you.”

  Happiness welling in his chest, Alastair slipped the ring on her finger. Then he swept her close, dipped her back, and kissed her.

  All around, their family and friends clapped and cheered. Except for Dec and Cal.

  “Shit,” Dec muttered.

  “Crap,” Cal grumbled.

  But both brothers were smiling.

  Epilogue

  Darcy sipped her champagne as Logan complained about his tuxedo. Again.

  “Enough, Mr. Grumpy,” Sydney slapped his arm. “Hold your daughter.” She handed the baby over.

  Logan expertly tucked his four-month-old, sleeping daughter into the crook of his brawny arm.

  God, the look on his face. Darcy had never expected to see the rough, tough Logan O’Connor look more besotted than when he looked at his wife. But any time the man was near his daughter, Hanna, the big man melted.

  “How’s the gorgeous bride?” Dani leaned over and clicked her glass against Darcy’s. Dani’s was filled with sparkling juice since she was sporting a baby bump under her blue dress.

  “I’m awesome.” Darcy ran a hand down her sleek, strapless Vera Wang gown.

  “And gorgeous,” Dani said.

  “Thank you. Where’s your camera?”

  Dani’s nose wrinkled. “My husband confiscated it.”

  They both looked across the ballroom at Cal. He was standing with Dec—both her brothers looking ridiculously handsome in their tuxedos. As did her husband.

  Her husband. Darcy stared at Alastair. God, she never got tired of looking at the man. He was still rugged and serious, but he smiled a lot more now.

  He was deep in intense conversation with her brothers.

  “Looks like your brothers are trying to convince your man to quit the FBI and join THS,” Dani said. “Again.”

  Darcy smiled. To everyone’s amusement and no one’s surprise, over the last year and a half, her brothers and Alastair had bonded, and become good friends.

  “My feet are killing me,” a female voice said.

  Darcy looked up. Sloan looked gorgeous in her blue-gray bridesmaid’s gown. A stunning emerald engagement ring rested on her finger.

  “But you look fantastic. Have another drink.” Darcy shoved another glass of champagne at her friend.

  Zach and Morgan whizzed past on the dance floor. As Darcy watched, the laughing couple bumped into Hale and Elin, who were also dancing. Hale and Elin were in the midst of planning their wedding. Morgan had announced that she was fine with having hot sex with her hot, sexy professor, and wasn’t planning to ruin a good thing by getting hitched.

  Darcy’s parents danced past next, moving in perfect sync. Her heart filled to bursting. She understood their love even better now that she had Alastair. One day, she knew she’d spin around in her husband’s strong arms as they danced at their children’s weddings. She hoped Alastair still looked at her the way her dad looked at her mom.

  Ronin and Peri appeared. Peri’s copper-colored hair was mussed.

  “Hey,” the woman said.

  Darcy tried to hide her laughter.

  “Oh, my God.” Dani shook her head and grinned. “Please don’t tell me you guys just had hot wedding-reception sex.”

  Ronin’s expression didn’t change. The man had the best poker face Darcy had ever seen.

  Peri’s cheeks filled with color and her lips quirked. “Maybe.”

  Suddenly, across the dance floor, Darcy saw a harried-looking Layne running through the crowd. “Emmy, no!”

  Darcy looked down and spotted her baby niece, wearing a pink, frilly dress, crawling at top speed onto the dance floor.

  Darcy gasped. There was no way the dancers would spot the eight-month-old down on the floor. She was in danger of being t
rampled.

  Fatherly instinct kicking in, Dec stiffened and lifted his head. He spotted his precious baby girl, but he was too far away to get to her.

  Darcy was already moving, but she knew she’d never make it before someone ran over the tiny girl.

  Alastair was closest to the dance floor. He dived, slid along the floor, and scooped the little girl into his arms. A few startled dancers stumbled out of the way. Alastair and Emmy slid another few feet before they came to a stop.

  Emmy shot her new uncle a gummy grin, showing off two tiny baby teeth, and clapped her hands with glee.

  “Careful, Princess.” Alastair grinned back and ran a hand over her silky hair.

  Darcy smiled. Her husband was besotted by Layne and Dec’s offspring. It was far too easy to imagine him cradling his own daughter. One day.

  He rose to his feet and handed the girl off to her daddy. Then Alastair’s green eyes locked with Darcy’s.

  Heedless of the other dancers, he strode toward her. “Hello, Mrs. Burke.”

  She shivered. She loved hearing that. “Hello, Special Agent Burke. Saving little ladies in distress at every turn, hm?”

  “All part of the job, ma’am.” He winked at her. “Would you like to dance?”

  “Yes.” She took her husband’s hand. The man who challenged, supported, and loved her every second of every day.

  The man who looked at her with love in his eyes, like she was the most precious treasure he’d ever seen.

  Then he wrapped his arms around her, and they moved across the dance floor in perfect sync. And Darcy knew she never wanted to be anywhere else.

  I hope you enjoyed Darcy and Alastair’s story!

  Thank you so much for joining me on all the Treasure Hunter Security adventures. I loved writing this series and combining so many of the things I love: action, adventure, history, travel, tough heroes, smart heroines, and of course, happily ever afters.

  We might be finished with Treasure Hunter Security but there are more adventures to come — including those of the Team 52 gang! And expect a few cameos from Dec, Darcy, Alastair, and the THS guys.

  For more action-packed adventure, read on for a preview of Mission: Her Protection (Team 52 #1) to check out Lachlan Hunter’s wild ride.