Mercenary’s Conquest

Chapter Four

"A private plane!" she said in awe.

"It’s a friends." He lied.

"Oh dear."

Gage pulled the jeep up to the plane, turned it off and got out. Jane who was sitting in the back seat chatting nonstop to the airport, hopped out and gave her brother a hug.

Mia thought it was really sweet. Then he bent his head and said something to her while giving her the keys. She blew him a kiss and got in the driver’s side shooting Mia a thrilling look.

"I take it he doesn’t give you the jeep too often." Mercenary’s Conquest 99

"Are you kidding? It’s his baby," she paused grinning, "that is, until you came along."

"Hush up." She said blushing causing Jane to laugh.

Mia was undoing her harness and was proud of herself that she finally learned how to do it just as another man came off the plane. She jumped out of the jeep as he shook Gage’s hand and put his other hand on his shoulder with no less than genuine affection. He was tall like Gage but his head was shaved bald and she noticed as she neared him that he had that same look in his eyes that Gage did, but when he settled them on her, unlike Gage’s, they didn’t warm up at all. A shiver ran through her as she walked around the front of the vehicle and hesitated when the other looked at her.

"Mia!" he held out his hand and called over the hum of the engines. When she came around and took his offered hand, he introduced them, "this is John West. He’s a very good friend and we go way back."

"Too far back!" the man laughed, "Nice to finally meet the woman who stole my best friend’s heart."

Mia shot a gaze to Gage who just smiled. John may have been smiling, but it never reached his eyes.

"I’ll get the luggage." John said nodding once to Mia and turning toward the jeep.

"Come on honey, it’s quieter on the inside." He went to pull her up the steps but she resisted. "What is it?" He said turning ask to her.

"I’ve never been on a plane before." She said in awe staring at the craft, "Is it safe?"

He gave her a devilish grin, "Is my adrenaline junkie backing down?"

She snapped her eyes to his and slowly smiled, "Are you daring me."

"You bet your ass I am." Lietha Wards 100

She circled her arm through his, "then let’s go."

He laughed and led her up the steps and into the plane where there were another two men waiting. Gage introduced them as Bruce Schulz and Rene Dumais, "But Rene only speaks French."

"Oh." She said shooting a surprised look his way.

"Mademoiselle" he nodded and gave her a stunningly charming grin.

"Don’t let his charm affect you Mia, he has women everywhere." Gage shot him a warning look which got a boisterous laugh and a long French one way conversation.

"What is he saying."

"Nothing." Gage said shooting him another glare.

"He’s saying," interrupted John with a grin of his own as he came up behind them, "That he’s never seen our sergeant so smitten."

"Shut the hell up John." Said Gage.

Mia turned her face up to his and despite the menacing tone of his voice, she could see the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"Sit down honey." He led her to the leather covered couch and pulled her down next to him. "do up your belt."

She reached down and snapped the ends together.

Rene said something again and Gage answered him in a terse tone.

"this is completely unfair Gage." She smiled at Rene then at him, "I don’t speak French."

"It’s a good thing, because the things I said shouldn’t be said in English around a lady."

"I’d be willing to translate." John nodded, "But Gage has a point."

"I remember telling you to shut up John."

Bruce, Mia noticed never said a word and the man Mercenary’s Conquest 101

looked more menacing than John, but when he looked at her she swore she could see a glint of approval in his eyes. Then it was followed by a slight nod. She gave him a smile before she shyly turned away and focused her attention back to Gage, "Did you serve in the war with these men?"

"Aye, he did Mia," said John. "We’ve been together for years because no one would put up with our sorry hides."

Mia saw Gage give him an arrogant smirk.

"Seriously though, we saw some pretty awful things, not worth repeating to you, but if we were to go through it again, I wouldn’t want anyone else with me." He nodded toward Gage, "He saved my life."

Rene said something.

"Yeah Rene." He flicked a glance at him, "Rene says his too, and Bruce, well we were a little late before the Iraqis cut out his tongue—"

"—enough John!" Gage cut in as Mia gasped.

He glanced at her expression and apologized, "I’m sorry Mia, being around someone like you isn’t common and I forget my manners."

"That’s fine." She said feeling Gage’s arm around her as the plane started taxiing down the runway. She started thinking that she should feel nervous but sitting there next to possibly the calmest man on the planet she actually relaxed.

Soon the rest of the men engaged in conversation, which Gage apologized for because it was mostly in French out of courtesy for Rene, but she wasn’t the least bit offended being too tired from not sleeping much in the past few days. He must have noticed about an hour into the flight because he leaned back against the leather cushions and pulled her head into his shoulder as if it was as right as pie to do so. Regardless she was tired and didn’t protest at the intimacy in front of his friends. Soon she was asleep. Lietha Wards 102

"You weren’t supposed to get involved Sergeant." Rene said in his native tongue.

"I know."

"This complicates things." Rene said.

"I know that too." He said in English.

"Can’t say I blame you." John said casting a glance at Mia. "But, the General is not going to be happy that you defiled his granddaughter."

Gage shrugged, seeming unconcerned, but inside he couldn’t help but feel incredibly guilty over his actions. Never had he compromised a mission before in his life, but Mia went beyond that and despite his outward indifference, he wasn’t letting her go no matter what the General said.

Several hours later Mia was nudged awake by Gage and much to her surprise the plane had already landed, "come on honey, the car is waiting."

"The car?" she stood stunned looking at the charcoal grey limousine when he led her off the plane.

"Yeah, the General is full of class." He led her to the vehicle as the other three men followed them.

Thaddeus paced back and forth in front of his southern style mansion anxiously waiting to see Mia after eighteen years of separation.

When the car came into view he wanted to rush down the driveway and meet them but he wasn’t a man who released his emotions often, and despite his inner conflict to do so, decided to remain calm. That is until he saw how beautiful she was. Gage was right, the photo he had didn’t do her justice. He came down off the veranda to greet her.

"Mia, this is Thaddeus." Gage introduced them with a glint of pride.

"Your Gage’s grandfather?" Mia didn’t see the similarities Mercenary’s Conquest 103

so she thought maybe he took more after his mother’s side.

"Sometimes." He said with a smile causing her to look confused, "Extraordinary." He said as he kissed her hand causing her to blush.

"I think we need to talk." Said Thaddeus looking over her head to Gage.

"Let me get Mia settled and the men and I will join you." Gage answered.

"Of course." He settled his eyes back on her again with obvious warmth. "Until later dear." He smiled.

"Nice meeting you." She said as Gage took her hand and led her into the house.

"Out of respect for the General, we’re not sleeping in the same room Mia. He’s old fashioned, but our rooms have an adjoining door, so expect me in yours during the night and every night that we’re here." He said in a tone that told her she had no choice in the matter followed by a look over his shoulder at her.

"Sure thing Sergeant." She teased causing him to laugh. She wouldn’t have it any other way. She had been wanting to get him alone since they left Scott Springs together.

"Are you sure you’re only eighteen?" He said seriously as he turned and looked down at her, "Because you act twice your age."

"Positive." She beamed at the compliment.

"Although," he added lowering his voice so only she could hear him, "Your youthful energy contradicts it." He gave her a devilish grin.

"Shhh." She shot a look around them and was relieved that they were alone.

"I think it’s a little obvious that we’ve been together, especially when I can’t keep my hands of you for five minutes." He squeezed her hand to make his point because he’d had a hold of it since they’d gotten out of the car. Lietha Wards 104

"I know what you mean." She said softly because she felt exactly the same way.

"Good." He said and led her up the stairs and down the hall to her room. Opening the door he allowed her to step through first.

"Wow." She looked around, "This is incredible."

"The General likes to keep things original. Especially the southern style."

"My goodness, everything is so beautiful." She walked over to the double doors and opened them to the balcony. "What an incredible view." She said as she bent her head back to look at the night sky. "The stars seem so clear, like that night you and I watched the meteor shower."

"It is." He answered and came up behind her to circle his arms around her. Leaning down he kissed her neck and she tilted her head aside for him, "I spent a few years here and the view still has me in awe," he released her and turned her around, "Among other things." His bent his head and brushed his mouth across hers. "I need to go and talk to Thad about his birthday arrangements. Are you tired?"

"Very. I’m not used to plane trips. I’ve heard about jet leg, but now I know what it feels like even though I slept all the way here." She smiled up at him when he lifted his head to stare down at her.

"Then get ready for bed, " a sensual grin crossed his face, "I’ll join you later. So hopefully you don’t sleep too sound."

"For you, I’ll keep an eye open." She said with a ravishing smile.

"Good." He brushed his mouth across hers before leaving.

Thaddeus, Rene, Bruce and John were all waiting for him in the library. He knew the look on the General’s face before he said anything. Mercenary’s Conquest 105

"They let him off with good behavior."

"I know, George told me." Gage said, folding his hands behind his back and standing rigid with his feet apart. Some habits of his past were hard to break and he was in a room with his superior so he took the military stance as did the other three men.

"I had a man follow him for a few days but he lost him," he began pacing, "He’s well trained Gage," he paused looking at him, "maybe not as good as you, but definitely a close second."

"We’ll protect her General," Gage added, "I won’t let anyone harm her. I’ll keep her with me at all times."

"I shouldn’t have this party." He said exasperated running his hand through his hair, "Dorothy wanted it because it’s my sixty-eighth, but she doesn’t know about Mia, or anything else. I have a bad feeling that he’ll try something then."

Gage stared at him, "You’ll have to tell Dorothy the truth and Mia too then." He turned to Bruce, "You’ll take first watch," then he nodded to Rene," you’re second." Both men nodded without hesitation.

"Ah hell!" he said angrily starting to pace again.

"General, " Said John, "you know us, we won’t let anyone near her that we don’t know."

"On my life," Added Gage.

"Ours too." Said John, "It’s the least we could do since you saved our hides in Afghanistan."

Thaddeus nodded, "I can’t thank you enough."

Mia wasn’t sure what time it was when she felt the large warm hard, naked body slide next to hers, but she really didn’t care. Especially when he started doing those amazing things with his hands on her body. The man had an uncanny sense of where all of her triggers to sexual desire lay. Yet when she began a little exploration of her own it was followed by a hoarse masculine growl and it didn’t escape her that she was learning Lietha Wards 106

his and because of it they didn’t get to sleep until the early hours of the morning completely exhausted and satiated.

Mia awoke to the bright light of the sun shining in through the balcony doors. By the looks of it, it was noon or after then. How embarrassing. She had slept through the whole morning. Rolling over stretching out her arm she felt an empty pillow and lifted her head to see that Gage must’ve left some time ago because that spot wasn’t even warm. Didn’t that man sleep? He’d hardly rested since they got here, and she’d done nothing but sleep. Feeling guilty she dragged her sore body out of bed she made her way to the shower and groaned. There were muscles hurting that she didn’t even know she had. How could a man manage to discover them all on a woman? Smiling, she turned on the shower and stepped under the spray. The man was a machine and she was definitely in love with him. She knew now that she would have never let him make love to her if she wasn’t. Part of her really wanted to confess this to him, but the other half thought that if she did he would run from her. So for the time being she would keep it to herself, until he gave her some indication of how he felt too. For the past year and since her mother’s death, she had developed a sense to keep her feelings to herself. It was for her own protection and her father knew this so he didn’t probe her that much. No only that she knew he was dealing with his own grief and he didn’t need more of a burden. Somehow that characteristic of hers spilled over to Gage. She was afraid to tell him how she felt becaue it would leave her vulnerable.

After she finished washing her hair and reflecting on her decision, she rinsed off and got out of the shower. She couldn’t help wonder where Gage went and when he left. Wrapping a towel around herself she walked out and pulled out a summery cream eyelet dress and put it on. Then she sat at the vanity and pulled her hair off her face plaiting it in a braid that ran all the Mercenary’s Conquest 107

way down her back.

Thaddeus was waiting for her in the large foyer when she descended the stairs. Pausing she looked around.

"He’s not here Mia."

She brought her eyes to his and couldn’t miss the smile that he wore over knowing who she was looking for.

"I sent him and the men on an errand." He held out his hand, "Why don’t you join me for a bit. I’d like to talk to you." He held his breath at the smile that she gave him. No wonder Gage couldn’t’ help himself. However it stirred memories that were painful. Despite this he managed to keep it off his expression. Even when she descended the stairs and took his hand Mia reminded him of her mother. "I hope you slept well." He said as he turned and led her into the library where he met Gage and his men the night before.

Mia was grateful that he turned away so he couldn’t’ see the rising blush. "I did, thank you."

"You must indulge an old man Mia." He said as he guided his hand toward one of two Victorian backed chairs that faced each other, "I just want to show you something."

"Okay." She said taking the seat as he walked over to one of the shelves and removed what looked like a photo album.

"My daughter," he paused, "Died just over seventeen years ago."

"Oh, I’m so sorry!" she said sincerely bringing her hand to her chest feeling his pain.

"I understand that you just lost your mother, so I can relate—in a way." He made his way back over to the other chair and set the album on his lap. "I kept her memory alive in this album. I’d like for you to see it." He lifted it up and held it for her

"Okay." She smiled and took it from, set it on her lap and opened it. The pictures were obviously in chronological order Lietha Wards 108

with the first being a beautiful black and white picture of a baby girl with dark hair and vibrant blue eyes.

"My wife still grieves for the loss after all of these years. It’s her wish that I have this birthday party. I’m not big on celebrations, but you must understand that with Dorothy there are a lot of what ifs. Like what if Glenda was alive today? Would we have grandchildren? What would they look like? That sort of thing." He said watching her expression.

She flipped over another page and saw the little girl in what looked like a school uniform and she was possibly five or six, "Oh she’s so pretty."

"yes she was." He smiled

Mia lifted her eyes to his, "I’m sorry for your loss General."

"I know you understand." He gave her a reassuring smile, "Just having you here makes everything feel as if it never happened."

That endearment pulled at her heart strings. Mia could tell that it was painful for him to talk about it. "Can I ask how she died? Was she ill?"

The smile on his face faltered and he shook his head, "She was murdered."

Mia gasped.

"I don’t mean to shock you, but it’s important to me that you know the truth." He watched her expression carefully hoping not to upset her too much. When she was able to slowly nod he continued, "She was twenty-five when she died. Unfortunately she married a man who was under my command and in the beginning they were happy. At least I thought they were." He stood up and walked to one of the large windows that looked out into the back of the house, "then we went to war. We saw some pretty horrific things and Danny lost half the troops under his command. Something in him snapped. I don’t Mercenary’s Conquest 109

know if it was always there or it happened from seeing so many of us die."

"Desert Storm?" she asked, "I didn’t think there were many people lost in that war."

"There were. More than our government admits." He turned and walked back toward her.

"My Dad says he saw some terrible things too."

"Ah, yes, George."

"You know my father?" she said with surprise.

"He was in my command also. He and Danny were best friends."

"He never mentioned that, or you." she said with surprise. Then again her father didn’t like to talk about the things he had seen.

"There’s reasons for that." He said taking his seat again and nodded toward the album, "We’ll get to that. Turn the page Mia."

Her breath caught in her throat as she eyed the next photograph, "How did you get this picture? Did my father send it to you?"

"No, that is my daughter, Glenda."

She looked at him with puzzlement, and stabbed a finger at the photograph, "This is me."

"No honey, that is your mother."

When Gage entered the house with his men several minutes later he heard the General’s voice. He and his men had been scouting out the surroundings for the last few hours to familiarize themselves with the territory. Thaddeus’ mansion was situated on several hundred acres.

"Gage!"

Years of being finely attuned to spring into action had him in the room within seconds at the panicked sound of the Lietha Wards 110

older man’s voice. Mia was sprawled in a chair next to Thaddeus who was patting her hand affectionately.

"she fainted."

"Hell." He said and strode quickly up to her, bent down and scooped her up in his arms, "I’ll take her back to her room."

"I didn’t expect her to react so strongly."

"You said yourself General, that she’d been sheltered her whole life."

"Yes I did." He said guiltily. "Put her to bed. I’ll leave the rest to you, I feel as though I damaged her in some way."

"You were right when you said she needs to know too." Gage said reassuringly, "She’ll get through this." He left the room with Mia in his arms.

As he was laying her down on the large bed she came to.

"Gage?" she said softly.

"Yeah, you fainted and scared the General half to death." He mused as he poured her a glass of water. "Do you want a drink?" her soft blue eyes focused on his, "He told me I was his granddaughter."

"You are." He said holding the glass for her to take a drink.

She shook her head, "But you said you—" her eyes went wide.

"I might have spoke out of turn, he’s not my grandfather, but he is my General. I was caught behind enemy lines and General Thomas got my team out when the army was going to leave us to die. Since then I help him out when he needs it." He sighed and looked away from her for a moment while he set the glass of water on the bedside table, "I wasn’t suppose to get involved with you Mia," he returned his gaze to hers, "I was sent to Scott Springs to protect you."

"Oh God." She said as the realization hit her, "He sent you to get me?" Mercenary’s Conquest 111

"No, he sent me to protect you." Gage corrected seeing the emotions playing over her lovely face as she was beginning to figure things out.

"I was a job!" she blurted out clearly hurt.

He winced, "It started out that way."

"You lied to me." She said as her eyes watered up.

"No, not really. I just never told you the whole truth."

"You—and I—we—" she released a sob unable to finish. She gave herself to this man heart and soul and he just let her know that she was an assignment.

His chest tightened at her pain. He screwed up he knew he did, but things had changed over the past few weeks with her and he needed to let her know that, "Mia, let me explain."

"Gage, you should have explained this a few weeks ago," she sobbed, "before I fell in love with you!"

"You did?" He said softly.

Tears rolled down her cheeks as she nodded.

He smiled and wiped the them away with his thumbs, "Honey, I’m entirely flattered." He bent down and kissed her stunned face before pulling back and staring at her, "I feel like the luckiest man alive."

Mia couldn’t believe that he was taking it all so calmly. She was devastated, "Everything was a lie."

"I didn’t lie to you. Everything I told you was the truth. I was under orders and couldn’t’ reveal the real reason I was with you, but that went out the window the first moment I laid eyes on you. I got involved with you on my own. In fact the General threatened to kill me over it, but I was already smitten."

"What?" she said in disbelief.

"If you’ll still have me Mia, I’ll stay in Scott Springs."

"You would?"

"For you I would." He said thickly. "Because I love you too." Lietha Wards 112

This time she really did cry and flung her arms around his neck holding on tightly. She felt his arms circle around and embrace her.

"Honey you have to stop crying, it’s breaking my heart to see you this way." He pushed her head into the arch of his neck and turned his head to kiss her cheek, "Stop."

She nodded and released another sob. "Where do we go from here?" she managed to say.

"Well, I was thinking that we get married, have a dozen kids or so when you’re ready."

She pulled back from him, "Married?"

He gave her and adoring smile, "You don’t think I’ll leave you for some other man to snatch up do you?" then his expression darkened, "I wanted to kill Liam for touching you."

"Liam isn’t what I want." She said feeling some of her humor returning, "But then again there’s your harem to consider. All of those broken hearts."

He chuckled, "Now that’s the Mia I know." He grinned, "As for my proposal, I was waiting for your grandfather’s birthday celebration, but I suppose this is just as well. We’ll announce it officially then. If that’s all right with you and of course you’ll say yes."

"Gage you’re my life, of course I’ll say yes." She beamed up at him, "I’m just so overwhelmed."

He gave her a hard passionate kiss, then he lifted his head and stared down at her, "Now, about the rest of what your grandfather was trying to tell you."

"Gage, I’m not sure if I can deal with this."

"You need to hear this all now, because your life is in danger honey, and I need you to listen to me until I get this guy."

"What guy? What do you mean my life is in danger?"

Gage took a deep breath, "Did Thad tell you about your mother." Mercenary’s Conquest 113

"Yes."

"And who she married."

"A man named Danny."

"Danny is your father."

"No—that’s not possible—I—"

"George and Marie took you after your mother died. They raised you as their own Mia, but your father’s name is Danny Vanderburg."

She shook her head.

"Danny murdered your mother after he returned from desert storm. George was his best friend and with the General’s help took you and hid you. They changed their last names and moved to Scott Springs."

"I don’t believe you." She said getting out of bed and moving away from him, "George is my father, Marie is my mother, she died three months ago." She said, but somehow she didn’t believe her own words. Things that Thaddeus told her earlier and what Gage was telling her now, started to sink in.

Gage stood up and started moving toward her but she held up her hands to stop him. "Mia, Thad, George and Marie did this to protect you. Danny swore he’d kill you to."

"What?" she said with astonishment, "You said I was his daughter."

"He seems to think that once he gets rid of you he’ll be free of the nightmares he got while he served overseas. But that isn’t going to happen because something is wrong with him and probably always was. That’s why he killed Glenda, your mother." He took a deep breath, "That convention that George and Ted went to last week wasn’t a convention in Arizona, it was a parole hearing in Seattle."

"Oh God—" she suddenly felt faint again and Gage was beside her guiding her back to the bed. After he sat her down, he sat beside her and took her hands in his. "That’s where you Lietha Wards 114

went wasn’t it?"

"Yes." He admitted, "I was meeting the General because we had some things to discuss if the man got out and he did. I came back before the parole hearing, but your father—George, told me it didn’t go well."

"That’s why he was upset that day he found us together in the hall."

"Yes. It didn’t have much to do with me having my hands on you. It mostly had to do with Danny getting parole."

She raised her eyes to his, "That’s why he agreed that I could come with you."

"Yes, he was very worried about you and knows that I’m your best form of protection. I told him that I knew the General."

"You still should have told me." She said accusingly.

"Mia, one thing I’ve come to know, is that sweet disposition of yours. Do you honestly think that you wouldn’t be worrying every second of your life whether this man was going to come after you, or where he would strike?"

"I suppose." She said guiding her eyes back to his, "I feel as if everyone has lied to me Gage."

"We did it to protect you." He explained, "Don’t be angry with George. As far as we’re all concerned he raised you, gave you love, and loved you like he would his own child. He is your father in every way but blood."

"I understand that—I really do, but it’ll take time for me to get over the fact that my whole life has been hidden from me."

"That’s understandable Mia. I can’t imagine how shocking this is to you, but you need to realize that everyone involved did it because they love you, including me."

She could feel her eyes sting with tears again and searched his gaze, "I believe you Gage." Mercenary’s Conquest 115

"As for your protection, it’s now my job and now I’m making it my life." He smiled, "But you need to listen to me. Is that clear?"

"Crystal." She said softly turning her head away, "I’m having a hard time believing that my father is going to kill me."

"Might try to, " Gage added, "I won’t let him near you."

"He might actually be reformed Gage."

"From what the General told me, I doubt it."

"What did he tell you?"

"Those are gory details about your mother’s death and I think you’ve heard enough tonight, don’t you?"

"I do." She nodded still reeling from what he told her. She didn’t want to know how she was killed—ever. From the look on Gage’s face it was bad.

"Are you going to be okay honey? We don’t need to go down to dinner. I could have it brought up to your room."

"That wouldn’t be fair to the Gen—my grandfather," she faltered to find the right words, "I must have upset him by fainting and now that I know who he is, I think I need to get to know him."

"See baby, your tougher than you think." He leaned down and kissed her. "Go wash up and I’ll meet you downstairs. You’re face is red and swollen."

She nodded and allowed him to pull her to her feet. He bent down and kissed her again before he left her alone.

Thaddeus was waiting at the bottom of the stairs when Gage came into view, he was too anxious to wait for him to start talking, "Is she all right?"

"Yeah, she is now. She’s coming down for dinner." He came down the stairs and placed a hand on his shoulder, "She’s not upset with you General, but she is rather set back about the whole thing, so take it easy with her."

"I understand. I spoke with Dorothy." He winced. Lietha Wards 116

Gage smiled, "How angry is she?"

"Furious that she had no idea that her granddaughter was still alive. As far as she knew, she was murdered with her mother and to find out that the grave she’s been visiting all these years is empty didn’t go over very well."

"I suppose it didn’t."

"I knew if we told her the truth she would demand to see her. She’s angry with me that she missed out on her life."

"Dorothy will get over it Thad."

"Yes, but not for a while." His eyes guided past him to the woman who appeared at the top of the stairs.

Gage turned and held out his hand when he saw Mia come down toward him. He felt relief that she still took his hand even though he felt assured that she had forgiven him.

"Gage told me everything." She said softly while staring at the older man in a new light.

"Are you feeling better?"

She nodded, "I’ll be fine. This whole thing is just such a shock."

"You took it a lot better than your grandmother," he said a little sheepishly, "If you don’t mind, I’d like to introduce you to her before she divorces me."

This actually caused Mia to laugh, "She didn’t know?"

"No, we were protecting you and I know there was no way in hell she’d let you go if she knew you were alive. I’ll probably spend the rest of my days making this up to her." He said wincing.

Mia felt sorry for him. It must’ve been really hard to let his daughter’s daughter go and not have any contact with her over the years. She let go of Gage’s hand and went to Thaddeus to embrace him. He accepted her affection without the slightest hesitation and Mia was sure she heard him muffle a sob in her neck. Mercenary’s Conquest 117

Her grandmother was no different and didn’t hesitate when she was introduced to give her a hug. She had white short hair and was surprisingly slender and not dressed like she always thought a grandmother should be. She was wearing designer jeans and a fashionable blouse, and despite her age, Mia thought she looked youthful and very pretty. She was expecting a southern sophisticated woman with a large hat and although she possessed the southern drawl, she was very down to earth. It was also obvious where Mia got her blue eyes from. George’s were brown and Marie’s were more hazel but Dorothy’s were a vibrant blue set off by her white hair. George had always told her that she’d gotten them from her mother’s mother and obviously that was the truth, even though she thought Marie was her mother and her mother was long since deceased.

Over the next few hours she visited with the both of them and if it was possible fell in love with her grandparents. Her father and mother had told her that their grandparents were dead on both sides, so to discover that she had a family that was as wonderful as these two overruled her previous feelings of betrayal.

Gage had left with the men shortly after dinner and she already missed him. She had to admit that her heart swelled whenever she thought of his proposal, but there was no more mention of it over dinner and afterwards before he left. She began to wonder if he had just said that to calm her down because she was so upset.

That night, he still hadn’t returned and she retired to her room after saying her goodnights to Thad and Dorothy. Unfortunately it left her time to wonder if Gage was serious about what he’d said earlier and recalled that over dinner he hardly even glanced at her, but mostly spoke to his men. Granted her grandmother talked her ear off, asking her all about herself, but could it be possible that Gage had changed his mind. Lietha Wards 118

Somehow she couldn’t help wonder if it was the only way he could soothe her at the time because she was so upset.

She changed into a pale blue satin nightgown and brushed out her long hair thinking about it. Maybe he was preoccupied with the party tomorrow. After all he’d told her he was going to protect her. As it was, the place was a hubbub of activity when she came down to supper as supplies started to arrive for the next day. More than once Dorothy had to get up and direct her staff. Once again there was no sign of Gage and she had a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. Thank goodness for her grandmother who filled her day with family history, photo albums and a tour of the estate.

Mia smiled thinking of her grandmother. She liked her from the beginning and she had promised to take her shopping for a gown the next day even though the place would be busy with the setup for Thad’s birthday party. Mia had actually brought several dresses but Dorothy waved a dismissive hand and told her that this was a gift, and when you’re in the south, you must dress for a party. Mia smiled at her reflection actually looking forward to the shopping trip. She was eager to see what ‘dressing for a party’ was like.

Meanwhile, Thad was downstairs in his study with Gage as he was opening his safe. "is the surveillance all set?" he said without turning around.

"Yes sir." Said Gage watching the man take something out of the safe before closing the door and sliding the hidden panel back. He and his men had spent the afternoon and well into the evening setting up high tech video and audio devices around Thaddeus’ property. Gage wasn’t taking any chances on Danny getting near Mia and he had every intention on staying close to her tomorrow while his men were stationed out of sight. Unfortunately he didn’t get much sleep the night before because of it, and really didn’t want to disturb Mia in the middle of the Mercenary’s Conquest 119

night knowing that she was also exhausted from the days activities. He also knew that he couldn’t keep his hands off of her and would exhaust her even further if he’d slept with her, but he did check on her before he retired to his own room. She was beautiful, sleeping peacefully in that large bed alone and it took a hell of a lot of willpower not to strip down and crawl into bed with her.

"here." Said Thad handing something to Gage.

"What is this?"

"It’s Glenda’s engagement ring. It was handed down through generations on my side of the family."

Gage opened the velvet box to see and incredible midnight sapphire surrounded by a cluster of diamonds, "This is stunning." There was no doubt the ring itself was priceless, just like his Mia.

"You can give it to Mia, when you propose tomorrow." Thad said eyeing up the younger man, then smirking when he saw the rare look of surprise on his face. "What? Do you think an old man like me is blind?"

Gage actually grinned, "No sir."

"You told me you were falling in love with her Gage, now do right by her."

"I will." He said closing the box and slipping it into the pocket of his jeans.

Then the General’s expression turned grave, "Protect her Gage. It’ll kill Dorothy and I to lose her again."

"On my life." He said without hesitation and he meant it.

Mia was dreaming about her mother when she felt strong hands slide up her hips and a voice in the distance.

"Wake up honey."

She opened her eyes to see Gage hovering over her with his arms on either side of her head, "Hi." She murmured sleepily. Lietha Wards 120

"Hi yourself," he smiled bending down and kissing her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, but he pulled up.

"Just a minute." He said sitting back on his heels, "Sit up." he took her hands and pulled her to a sitting position.

"What is it?" He didn’t look worried, but she still couldn’t help but wonder if he’d changed his mind and was going to tell her now. She couldn’t shake the apprehension of not seeing him today or the night before. What he did next completely erased all of that.

He reached over to the bedside table and picked something up. Mia’s eyes widened when she noticed what it was.

The ring was nothing like she’d ever seen. Even in the scant light of the moon that shone through the glass of the double doors to the balcony, she could still see how beautiful it was. She opened her mouth to say something but had lost her voice as he took her hand and slid it on her finger. Then he lifted it to his mouth and placed a tender kiss in the same area while his eyes remained on hers .

"Now, it’s official Mia, you are and always will be mine." He said thickly as he threaded his fingers in her long hair and brought her mouth to his.

"Are you sure?" she managed to choke out against his mouth as tears poured down her cheeks.

"As I live and breathe," he added while flattening her out on the mattress and coming down on top of her. "I’ve missed you today." He meant every word. He couldn’t get enough of her and when he was away from her, his thoughts were obsessed with her. He loved her, there was no doubt, but did that cause a weakness in his need to protect her. Rene had blasted him over that several times that day, but he wasn’t going to let her go. Rene would understand if it was happening to him. Whatever thoughts he was having were suddenly cut off when Mercenary’s Conquest 121

she slid under him and down the mattress. His knees were on either side of her thighs and she took advantage of that to work her way down his body. "Mia what—oh Christ!" he sure as hell never taught her that! His hands reached out and grabbed the headboard so he didn’t fall flat on his face in her pillow as she took him in her warm mouth. It was obvious she’d never done that before because of the hesitation she showed, but before long she had the hang of it and if Gage had a thought in his head before, it was blank now. He actually bit his own arm to keep from yelling as that soft silky mouth moved over him. He could feel his legs tremble to keep him from falling down. Her hands curved over his bottom as she became more self assured in the act. He may have sunk his teeth into his arm to keep from hollering but that didn’t stop the deep throaty groans from leaving him. As he felt the rising pressure deep in his pelvis he reached down and twisted his fingers in her hair, "—Mia—" he choked out meaning to pull her off of him before he climaxed, but somehow he lost the strength and instead became consumed in the pleasure she was giving him as he started to move his hips in time with the stroke of her mouth. With the sweet sounds of her own soft moans vibrating through his cock and those sucking noises he actually thought he had died when he finally came. As he buried his face in her pillow to muffle a loud throaty groan, he swore he exploded into a million pieces. It went on endlessly as he climaxed and shards of excruciating pleasure rocketed through him over and over again.

Mia moved out from under him as he collapsed on his stomach. She sat up and looked down the length of his backside thinking that he was a magnificent specimen of a man. She reached up and brushed her long hair back over her shoulders and found herself grinning as she looked down at the satiated man who was still moaning. Of course she never did anything like that before in her life, but she really didn’t expect him to Lietha Wards 122

react so strongly to it and it just encouraged her. She leaned forward reaching out to run her hands up the back of his muscled thighs which caused him to moan again but not move. She laughed softly and brought her body down on top of his back while kissing his cheek. If he had the slightest idea that it was Lisa’s constant lewd talk that led to her curiosity, he would probably forgive her in a heartbeat. "I think I’ve worn out the machine." She murmured in his ear.

He didn’t even open his eyes, "Worn out? You’ve killed it." He mumbled right before he fell asleep.

Mia smiled down at him feeling proud of what she was able to do especially since it was the first time she ever tried anything like that. She kissed him once more before she adjusted herself along his back and drifted off to sleep soon after. Gage didn’t even rouse with it and had fallen into one of the deepest sleeps he’d had in years.

When Mia awoke the next morning, it was too a soft caress of a finger along her mouth. She blinked several times to see Gage propped up on an elbow with a devious grin on his face. "what?" she smiled.

"I’m just thinking how wicked that pouty mouth of yours was last night."

Mia must have blushed a hundred shades of red as her actions came flooding back to her. How come things were so different in the night than the light of day?

"Now, I’ve got to know, where did you learn that because I know for a fact that you’ve only been with me?" He lifted his brows curiously.

"Gage please, you’re embarrassing me." She flushed silently thanking Lisa for her descriptive exploits.

"Honey, trust me, you definitely shouldn’t be embarrassed about that, what a talent." He said rolling his eyes.

"Stop it." She said ready to pull the blankets up and cover Mercenary’s Conquest 123

her face.

He focused his eyes on her again, but his smile was still there, "I’ll tell you what." He said sliding his hand down her abdomen then into her causing her to pinch her eyes shut, gasp, and arch off the bed, "If you are embarrassed about such a thing, let me show you what I can do. Then maybe you would see that such an act of love is not shameful." He began a slow torturous tease of his fingers and she responded as she always did to his touch.

Mia didn’t hear anything passed ‘let me show you what I can do’. When his mouth covered her as his fingers continued to tease in the same area, she threw her head back, moaned and wrapped her thighs around his head and twisted her hands in his hair.

Gage watched her gorgeous body arch off the bed as he teased her with his tongue. He was going to introduce her to oral sex slowly but she’d taken it upon herself to initiate it and he couldn’t be more pleased. It just proved to him that they were compatible, not that he had any doubt.

When her moans indicated to him that she was close he lifted himself back on his knees and reached down to flip her on her side bringing her bottom against him. He saw the look of desire on her expression and knew that she hadn’t even noticed what he was doing. If he didn’t have experience, he wouldn’t have been able to form a thought, but he was in control this time and he would show her that there were many ways to make love. Reaching down he lifted one of her long legs up to his shoulder and used his other hand to guide himself into her. It was then her eyes shot open and centered on him, but it didn’t last when he started moving in her. Her head arched back, her mouth parted and she started to moan all over again. Soon he too was groaning but he was still in control even though he was consumed by how tight, hot and wet she was. Lietha Wards 124

When he felt himself nearing his climax he flipped her leg down, and came down on top of her. She was starting to sob from her own release, but he needed a few more strokes and that’s all it took for him to come deep inside her.

Mia had come to love the groans of satisfaction he would emit when he climaxed as he muffled it into her neck before he fell limply on top of her.

Though she could hardly breathe with his heavily muscled body firmly on top of hers, she loved it. Her hands threaded through his hair combing through the thick locks knowing that she loved him more than her own life. More than anything in the entire world. After a moment she felt tears fall from her eyes. Could anything have been more precious to her than being with him? He must have felt the wetness fall onto his face because he lifted his head and looked at her.

"shush baby, you know you kill me when you cry." He said kissing her tenderly.

"It was just so beautiful." She managed.

"Yes, it was." He said searching her moist gaze.

"I’m so afraid of losing you." She confessed.

"Nothing will happen." He reassured kissing the wet streaks on her cheeks.

"Gage I’ll die if something happens to you."

"Don’t talk nonsense." He said softly, "Besides, I didn’t use protection this time. You had me so worked up I forgot completely. You could be pregnant. Now the mother of my child does not talk about such things." He added with a genuine smile.

"A baby?" her eyes widened.

"I’ll apologize if you want me too, but it’s a little late." He became serious, "I know you’re young Mia, maybe too young to be a mother but—"

"Oh God, no don’t say that." She said cupping his face in her Mercenary’s Conquest 125

hands, "I would never frown upon having your child even if I’m eighteen."

Gage had an image of her holding a little girl, his little girl and he suddenly had a wash of emotion go through him the likes he never fathomed. Mia had breached that forsaken barrier and had captured his heart. Without a word he started moving his hips against hers, moving himself within her again, and bent his head to take her mouth while made love to her slowly, more tenderly this time.