Between Love and Honor (Men of the Secret Service #3) - Tracy Solheim Page 0,78

from his chair. “Like hell!”

“Stand down, Agent Segar,” the secretary commanded. “She’s a highly trained asset with the element of surprise in her favor. Ronoff won’t be looking for her. Neither will his men. But she’ll be able to identify them.”

He didn’t like it. Not one bit. Quinn, on the other hand, was smiling like a woman who’d just been given free rein in a shoe store.

“I agree,” she said. “Adam won’t be able to cover you with his sniper’s rifle because of the crowd and the distance. But I know these men. I can handle them discreetly before they try to lay a finger on you.”

He tried another tact. “Madame Secretary, I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to be involved in this.”

She rose from her chair. “Why not? The president ordered me to handle this tonight. And I am. Unless you don’t think we women are capable of taking down the black hats.”

Adam made a choking sound behind him. Quinn arched a curious eyebrow. Damn it. How had this become the battle of the sexes? Quinn had already demonstrated how capable she was with a gun, but this was about keeping her safe. His boss, on the other hand, he was happy to throw to the wolves.

“Besides.” The secretary’s voice had a hard edge to it. “Agent Darby and I each have a score to settle with this traitor. And I, for one, would prefer to do it face-to-face.” She turned to Adam. “Agent Lockett, have the CAT team secure the marina as best you can. We’ll reconvene here at nineteen hundred hours. We can coordinate our efforts with Treasury before heading over to the marina. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going home to change into something a bit more touristy.”

“I’ll go and get my team ready,” Adam said before leaving them alone in the Situation Room.

“I don’t like you involved in this,” he said.

“I know.” She stood and laced her fingers through his. “And you have no idea how wonderful it makes me feel to have someone worrying about me. About what happens to me.”

He tugged her body against his. “I’m never going to stop.”

She stretched up on her toes and brushed a kiss over his lips. “I promise to make it easier on you.”

“No more stunts like today?”

“Nope,” she murmured against his mouth.

“What the hell was that you were carrying anyway?”

“Oh, my gosh!” She scooted out of his embrace. “They’re El-Nino flowers. For Josslyn’s wedding. Come on.” She grabbed his hand. “Let’s take a break from this. I’m dying to see how they look in the rose garden.”

A shiver danced up his spine at her choice of words, but she was right, they could use a distraction right now. Even if it involved plants. And weddings. Glancing over his shoulder at Ronoff’s face splashed on the giant screen, he made a silent vow that, after tonight, Quinn would be safe from danger for good.

Chapter Sixteen

The El-Nino flowers looked lovely in the rose garden just as Quinn knew they would. Even Marin was gushing over them by the time the three couples sat down to an early dinner in the family dining room later that day.

“And,” Josslyn announced to the group, “Quinn is going to stay and photograph the entire wedding!”

Quinn waited for the familiar dread that making plans for the future used to bring, but none came. Instead, she felt a burst of pure joy bubbling inside her. She actually had a future to look forward to. A future with Ben. One that wouldn’t force her into hiding every few months. One where she could be who she wanted to be right out in the open. One where her parents could abandon their false identities and live their lives freely. It was so perfect. She almost didn’t dare believe it. As if sensing her tumultuous emotions, Ben covered her hand with his and gave it a gentle squeeze in a silent show of reassurance.

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around Ben being a spy, too,” Marin said.

“Why don’t you say it a little louder,” Adam teased. “I don’t think they heard you in Georgetown.”

Marin’s face fell. “It isn’t a secret any more, is it?”

“No,” Ben reassured her. “But I’d rather not broadcast it too widely. I’m sure I made a few enemies during my days as the Mariner.”

“Freaking brilliant if you ask me.” Adam raised his glass. “Congratulations, Bennett, on your excellent service to your country. And on finding your dream girl again. I