Mercy Killing (Affairs of State Book 1) (37 page)

Mercy smiled softly. “I'm so glad you two have been able to stay in touch.”

“I think we talk more now, thousands of miles apart, than when we lived in the same house. And you were right. She has grown up.”

“She's a charming young woman. I enjoy having her company when her school schedule allows.”

He ran a finger over the place where he'd kissed, then down her cheek and throat, into the shadows of her cleavage. He pressed the palm of his wandering hand over one breast, delighted when she sucked in a shaky breath. Even happier when she didn't make him stop.

“She talks a lot about you, Mercy. I think she was worried I'd forget you. She's made it her mission to fill me in on everything that's happening in your life.”

She blushed as he stroked his thumb, through the silk bodice of her dress, over and around her raised nipple, visible through the fabric. “Has she now,” she gasped.

“I… think…she…knows.”

“Knows what?” She wriggled free and started to turn away. He reached out to grasp her wrists and turn her back to face him. He waited until her eyes slid around to meet his. “She knows I'm falling in love with you.”

“Please don't—”

“I'm not just saying words,
querida
. I want to be with you. For the moment, I know that's not possible. Until I've made my country a safe place for us to be a family, until the men who would hurt me through you and Maria are dead or in prison, we’ll be safer—all of us—staying apart.”

She stared up at him, looking unsure but also intrigued. And, unless he was mistaken, he also saw hope in her eyes. “You're serious about our being together? Being a couple,” she murmured.

“I am.”

“Then…I want that too.”

He wondered when she first had been drawn to him. Was it that nightmare of a night when they stormed the traffickers’ compound? Or before then—despite the fact she still was married.

She dissolved against his hard chest. He let out a long sigh of contentment and closed his arms around her. She felt so good there. So perfect. This was a woman to cherish. Not a temporary sexual partner, by any means.

“Sebastian?”

“Yes,” he murmured, happy beyond words.

“Can't you live here in America? You'd be safe. You'd be near Maria. We could all be togeth--”

“My enemies would follow me. I won't expose either of you to that kind of danger.” She started to speak again, but he pressed his lips to hers, silencing her. “Even coming to Washington tonight was foolhardy. I knew I should stay away, but I was weak.”

“No,” she said. “Weak is one thing you'll never be. I'm glad you're here. Oh, God, I’m so very, very glad!” She kissed him, and this time her passion was unrestrained.

“When will you leave?” she whispered when she finally looked up at him again.

“Tomorrow. In the morning.”

She drew a slow breath. “Then I have a choice to make.”

He knew immediately what she meant. His body hardened in response at the possibility. He’d wanted her for the longest time. If he were honest, from the moment they’d met. Now, that want turned to need. “Yes. A decision,” he agreed.
Let me stay with you tonight. Please!

“You see, I don't know that I can bear losing you once we've made love, Sebastian. I don't know that I'm strong enough to take you into my bed then watch you walk out of my life—maybe for years.”

“You won't lose me. I'll come back to you. Again and again. For as long as you want me. And I won't stop loving you because of the miles that separate us.”

She peered so deeply into his eyes he was certain she could see through to his very core—to his thoughts, his dreams, even to his fears. “So we have, what?” she asked. “Twelve hours to be together?”

“About that.” He tried to hide the hitch in his voice but failed. If she sent him away now, he was pretty sure he'd die.

Something changed in her expression, her eyes turning a shade lighter, her lips quirking up at one corner. “I hope you are a patient man, Don Sebastian.”

He choked on a laugh. “You’re going to make me
wait
until we
marry
?” If that was what she wanted. . .
Oh, God!
Did he have a choice? Not really. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

“Silly,” she said, touching a fingertip to the tip of his nose. “I mean, if we’re to carry on a long-distance romance, I expect to be scrupulously, exhaustively loved. I shall need to be satisfied sufficiently to last until the next time we can be together.” She drew her finger down to his bottom lip, a subtle signal that he wasn't to interrupt her. “Whether that is next week or a year away. Can I rely on you to do that for me—tonight?”

Sebastian grinned. “You most certainly can, and I most certainly will.” He swept her off her feet and up into his arms. Kissing her fiercely, he carried her up the steps in the direction she pointed—which he hoped to God was her bedroom.

And, when he had her there and he'd learned all there was to know about her body, and she lay deliciously sweaty and sated in the sheets beside him, Sebastian vowed he would move continents, if necessary, to bring them together. Permanently.

§

From the Author:

I hope you enjoyed
Affairs of State
Book #1:
Mercy Killing.
Consider joining Victoria Mercy O’Brien as she continues the search for her mother. In Book #2:
Hot Mercy
, she encounters a ruthless international crime syndicate whose shocking scheme threatens the lives of innocents worldwide. Will this confrontation help or hinder a reunion with her mother? Will Sebastian Hidalgo remain in her life or, like her diplomat-husband, break her heart? Let’s find out together!

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                   Happy Reading! Kathryn Johnson