Page 16
CHAPTER 16
E cho took one last look in the mirror. The tan slacks and V-neck white shirt fit her as if they’d been tailored specifically for her. She wore low-heeled shoes made of butter-soft leather and felt like a princess in a fairy tale. Well, almost. She didn’t have any makeup on, but then again, she rarely wore it. A touch of concealer would’ve been nice—there were shadows under her eyes, but that was to be expected after two weeks in the jungle, right? She tilted her head, studying her reflection, and gave herself a firm nod. Yeah, that was acceptable. She flicked her hair back over her shoulders and turned, ready for whatever the evening had in store. Tonight, she was going to meet Deacon’s parents.
Talking to strangers had never been a problem for her. Hopefully, his mom and dad were down-to-earth people. They were ranchers, right? Deacon had mentioned that his dad owned a spread in Colorado. Horses, cattle, rodeo—she could talk about all of it. Growing up in Bozeman, Montana, she’d been immersed in that way of life. And if conversation failed, well, there was always the weather. Lord knew the monsoons had been a hot topic of discussion lately—or they should have been.
She exited her bedroom into the hotel suite's living area that Guardian had prepared for her. The accommodations exuded luxury. Plush carpets muffled her steps as she moved through the spacious suite. The room held a faint scent of lavender and freshly laundered linens, a stark contrast to the jungle's damp, earthy aroma. Guardian didn’t just offer basic; no, they provided premium. Deacon’s team had been settled in what could only be described as a bridal suite, complete with three bedrooms, a kitchenette, and two bathrooms. She’d gotten a glimpse of it when they’d first arrived from the hospital, and the banter about their matching scrubs had been equally hilarious and mortifying.
Echo had been relieved to retreat to her own suite and find a wardrobe waiting for her. Everything from casual jeans and sneakers to silk blouses, tailored slacks, and elegant dresses hung neatly in the walk-in closet. She made a mental note to ask Deacon’s mother about reimbursing her for the clothes—though, judging by the designer name tags she’d glimpsed, that might take a while.
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. She crossed the room and opened it, her lips curling into a smile. Deacon stood there, looking devastatingly handsome in tailored slacks, a crisp shirt, and what appeared to be a Hermès belt.
“You look really nice,” she said, cocking her head to the side. “Is that a Hermès belt?”
Deacon glanced down at his waist, then back at her with a shrug. “I have no clue. Probably. Is that a bad thing?”
She laughed. “No, it’s a really good thing. It’s a really expensive thing.” She emphasized the word with a playful grin. “I have questions. Many questions.”
He shrugged again. “I don’t pay attention to stuff like that and after dinner, I’ll answer what I can.”
She gave him a narrowed look before looping her arm through his. She could wait. Obviously, money was not a foreign thing to him. But how could his parents know where he was? That was the big question of the night and she’d find out, one way or another. But she could wait until after dinner. She changed the subject. “So, how do I look?”
His smile turned wicked as he leaned down and cupped her chin and cheek in his hand. “Completely edible.”
A chill ran down her spine, settling in places that made her knees weak. His lips captured hers, the kiss slow and sensual. By the time he pulled away, she was clinging to his shoulders, breathless and dazed.
“Oh my God,” she panted. “I’m never changing out of this outfit.”
He chuckled, his voice a low rumble. “I think I need you naked.”
She laughed, the sound light and happy. “Okay, maybe I’ll change out of it.”
Just then, another door opened down the hall, and Ronan stepped out of his suite. Dressed similarly to Deacon, the family resemblance was striking, though subtle differences made it easy to tell them apart. Deacon’s chin was squarer, and he was a touch taller. His smile carried a rakish charm, whereas Ronan’s was open and warm. Even their hairstyles differed—Ronan’s was slightly longer, parted in the middle, while Deacon’s was shorter and neatly parted to the side.
“You clean up well, too,” Echo said, smiling at Ronan.
He slipped a hand into his pocket and chuckled. “When having dinner with one’s mother, one must make an effort.”
Deacon rested a hand on the small of her back. “My mother is a wonderful person. She’s very talkative but nice.”
Echo tilted her head up to look at him, a teasing smile on her lips. “Is that a warning in disguise?”
Ronan laughed. “Yes. Yes, it is. Be afraid. Be very afraid.”
Deacon groaned. “You don’t need to be afraid of Mom. She’s amazing. And you stop that unless you want me to start doing the same to Fleur.”
“Who’s Fleur?” she asked.
Deacon looked at Ronan and said, “Yeah, who’s Fleur?”
Ronan smiled. The smile told Echo what she wanted to know. Probably his girlfriend. He didn’t wear a wedding ring, but then again, most operatives didn’t. Fleur could be his wife. They walked together down the hallway, the rich carpet muting their steps. Deacon led the way to a private elevator, where he pulled out a card and tapped it against the reader. A soft chime signaled their ascent to the presidential suite.
They ascended to the top floor of the building in a private elevator. Echo glanced at Deacon and Ronan, her curiosity piqued by the luxurious accommodations. “Man, Guardian sure does put out the bucks for you guys’ billets, don’t they?”
Both men frowned, exchanging puzzled looks. “What do you mean?” Ronan asked.
“Well,” Echo began, “you’ve got a suite for your team, I’ve got a suite, and I’m assuming Ronan has one for his team, too. And your parents are in the presidential suite. It’s really nice of Guardian to hook them up.”
The brothers’ confusion deepened, but before either could respond, the elevator doors opened, and Echo’s attention was drawn to a striking older woman waiting for them. Her mostly gray hair was pulled back into a practical ponytail, and her warm smile lit up her face. She clapped her hands together in delight before throwing her arms around Deacon, pulling him into a fierce hug. Then, with equal enthusiasm, she wrapped Ronan in her embrace.
“It’s so good to see both my boys in the same place at the same time!” she exclaimed, planting a loud kiss on Ronan’s cheek, followed by another on Deacon’s. Both men rolled their eyes in mock exasperation, but their wide smiles betrayed their happiness.
The woman turned to Echo and extended her hand, her tone cheerful and inviting. “Hi, I’m Anna, the mother of these two.”
Echo took her hand and smiled. Anna wore casual, well-fitted blue jeans, a T-shirt, and tennis shoes. Her athletic build was enviable, and Echo estimated her age to be in her sixties, though she carried herself with the energy and grace of someone much younger.
“Hi, my name is Echo Lashay,” she replied. “I want to thank you so much for ordering all the clothes for me. Everything fits wonderfully. I was wondering if I could repay you for the gesture. I can send a check as soon as I get back to the States.”
Anna blinked in surprise, her gaze flickering between Deacon and Echo. “What a kind offer. Thank you so much, but you know, I don’t think we need to worry about that.” She hooked her arm through Echo’s and began leading her down into the sunken living room of the presidential suite.
Echo was briefly distracted as she absorbed her surroundings. The suite was stunning. The furniture displayed a mix of Oriental influence and modern style, with sleek lines enhanced by rich, warm tones. Plush area rugs softened the hardwood floors, and large windows provided a sweeping view of the city below, with the twinkling lights of the skyline extending to the horizon.
“Wow, this is absolutely amazing,” Echo murmured, turning to Anna. “Guardian really takes care of their people—and their parents—don’t they?”
Anna frowned, clearly confused. “Guardian isn’t paying for our hotel room.” She looked at Deacon and Ronan, her expression seeking clarification.
Echo stopped and turned to Deacon, suspicion creeping into her voice. “Okay, I’m missing something. What haven’t you told me?”
Deacon rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish look crossing his face. “Uh, my mom and dad have enough money to pay their way. Guardian paid for the suite for my team.”
Echo turned to Anna, her eyes wide. “So, then, I owe you for my hotel room?”
Anna shook her head firmly. “No, sweetheart, you don’t owe us a thing. Now, let’s sit down and visit. I want to know everything there is to know about you, starting with your name. Echo is such an unusual name, but I love it. Tell me the story behind that.”
They settled into the plush armchairs by a low coffee table. The warm ambiance of the room perfectly balanced the luxury around them, and Echo felt herself relaxing. Anna’s approachable demeanor eased any intimidation the fancy surroundings might have caused.
Echo smiled at her. “Well, my mom and dad were born in the wrong decade. They’re hippies and naturalists. Mom has been vegan for as long as I can remember. Dad has never taken a synthesized drug. We live on a forty-acre farm where both my mom and dad work. Mom raises chickens and sells the eggs, has a herd of goats, and makes goat milk soap and candles, which she sells online. Dad grows crops, cans and stores what we use, and sells the rest at the local farmers’ market. They’re completely off the grid—wind and solar power—and absolutely love their lifestyle.”
Anna’s eyes sparkled with genuine interest. “They sound like fantastically interesting people,” she said. “Where do they live, dear?”
“A little south of Bozeman, Montana,” Echo answered. “That’s where I grew up.”
Anna clutched her chest dramatically. “I grew up in Colorado, and so did the kids. I know Bozeman well! I must take a trip and introduce myself to your parents.”
Echo’s eyes widened as she turned to Deacon. He chuckled. “You know, Mom, that’s probably a bit too quick. Maybe you should wait to be invited?” he suggested cautiously.
Anna waved a dismissive hand, her smile warm and disarming. “You can never have too many friends, darling. Oh, look, here’s your dad.” She rose gracefully and walked over to the gray-haired man who had entered the living area.
Echo’s breath caught for a moment. The resemblance between the older Alexander and his sons was undeniable. Deacon and Ronan were nearly mirror images of their father, sharing the same broad shoulders, sharp bone structure, and commanding presence. Echo couldn’t help but imagine what Deacon might look like in thirty or forty years, and the thought was as reassuring as it was captivating.
Deacon’s father could be in his fifties, sixties, or even older. His age was difficult to determine precisely, but he carried it with such vitality and elegance that it seemed irrelevant. He was a striking man—just like Deacon.
He handed Anna a glass of wine, which she accepted with a soft, grateful smile before leaning in to kiss him. The way he looked at his wife left Echo momentarily speechless. Their love was palpable, as though it had taken physical form and filled the room with its quiet intensity.
Anna turned back to Echo, her voice brimming with pride. “This is my husband, Gabriel.” She gestured toward Echo. “Gabriel, this is Echo Lashay. She’s Deacon’s … friend?”
Deacon chuckled as he stepped forward and extended his hand to Echo. She stood up and allowed him to guide her to where his father was standing. “Dad, I’d like you to meet Echo. She’s my girlfriend, and she was my primary on my last mission. She currently works for the CIA.”
Echo extended her hand, grasping Gabriel’s firm yet gentle grip. “It’s wonderful to meet you, sir,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to meet you, too, Echo,” Gabriel replied. “I’m sorry for hijacking your first night out of the jungle. I’m sure sleep was higher on your list than a social dinner,” he said with a pointed glance at Anna.
Anna swirled her wine glass, the ice clinking softly. “I’m not going to apologize for wanting to see my sons and meet Echo,” she said matter-of-factly.
Echo smiled warmly at Anna. “And there’s no apology needed,” she said.
Anna beamed at her husband, her expression triumphant. “See? I was right.”
Gabriel chuckled and slipped an arm around Anna’s waist. His long-suffering response was a simple, “Yes, dear.”
Deacon and Ronan laughed, clearly accustomed to the affectionate banter between their parents. Gabriel turned his attention back to Echo. “May I get you a drink?”
Echo glanced at Deacon, who smiled reassuringly. “Anything but a purple gin drink, thank you,” she replied with a playful grin.
Gabriel’s brow furrowed slightly in confusion. “I’m sure there’s a story behind that.”
Echo laughed, the memory of that night surfacing. “Oh, yes, sir, there is. When I met Deacon, I was trying to order a drink. Instead, I ended up with more of a purple situation. My Thai is nonexistent, and my English isn’t much better.”
Anna chuckled sympathetically. “Oh, sweetie, me, too. Me, too! I go to all these events, and my hick accent and use of words is immediately pointed out.”
Echo’s mouth dropped open. “How rude! You don’t put up with that, do you?”
Anna smiled and shook her head. “No, I don’t, and I think I like you very much.”
Gabriel intervened, “So, no purple drinks?” He redirected the conversation, and Echo joined Anna in her laughter. “It did taste good, but not tonight.”
Gabriel smiled and nodded. “That we can do. I promise no purple situations will be found in this hotel room.”
Deacon rested an arm over Echo’s shoulders. “I seem to recall you were a Chardonnay fan?”
“That would be fabulous, thank you,” Echo said, smiling up at him.
Ronan, already heading to the kitchenette, raised a hand in acknowledgment. “I’ve got you. Deacon, the usual?”
“You bet,” Deacon replied as Ronan disappeared.
Anna linked her arm through Echo’s again and steered her back toward the plush couches. “So, tell me about the monsoon,” she said. “I understand you and the team were caught in one.”
Echo frowned, her gaze flicking between Deacon, Gabriel, and Anna. Her instincts, honed by years with the CIA, bristled. “I wasn’t aware civilians knew anything about the mission,” she said cautiously. Her internal alarm bells were ringing; something didn’t add up.
Anna chuckled, patting Echo’s arm in a reassuring gesture. “Oh, sweetheart, we’re not civilians. Gabriel ran Guardian for many years. As such, I had to have a security clearance and all the briefings that go with knowing everything about everything. You can trust us not to say a word. We still have our clearances, and Gabriel is still brought in every so often.”
Deacon frowned, his expression curious and slightly concerned. “What? Dad, I thought you were completely retired. You got pulled back in?”
Gabriel sat down across from Echo and Anna, crossing his legs with an air of casual authority. “Just a phone call now and then,” he replied with a nonchalant shrug. “I keep in contact with a couple of people who let me know what’s going on.”
Deacon chuckled, settling beside Echo on the plush sofa. The living room of the presidential suite exuded understated luxury. The subtle hum of the air conditioning and the faint scent of fresh lilies from an arrangement on the marble coffee table added to the peaceful bliss of the apartment.
“You’re never not going have your fingers in that pie, are you?” Deacon teased. Echo’s grin widened as she observed the uncanny resemblance between his father and him. It was almost eerie—the same sharp jawline, penetrating gaze, even the slight tilt of the head when amused.
“She’s my baby,” Gabriel said with a knowing smirk.
Ronan entered the room, carrying two frosted beer mugs and a glass of Chardonnay. He passed the drinks around and took a seat in a leather armchair. “What are we talking about?”
Deacon tipped his head toward their father. “Dad says he’s still in the mix at Guardian. Keeps in contact with a—” he lifted his fingers in air quotes—“a couple of people.”
Ronan rolled his eyes, his exasperation clear. “Dad, you really do need to retire.”
Anna waved him off. “Oh, hush now. Your dad can do whatever he likes. And if keeping his fingers in the pie helps him relax and enjoy retirement, then let him do it.”
Ronan turned his gaze to his mother, his expression incredulous. “But you were the one who wanted him to retire.”
“And he did—five or six times.” Anna leaned back with a smile that was both knowing and indulgent.
“I thought he was completely out now," Ronan sputtered.
“Well, he doesn’t actually go into the office,” Anna explained. “We can travel, and he can still know what’s going on. If he didn’t, he’d be grouchy and a terrible travel partner. It’s just like Frank at the ranch. If he doesn’t stay involved in the running of the place, he’s just going to wither away. You don’t want your father to wither away, do you?” Her gaze sharpened as it flicked between her sons.
Deacon sighed, closing his eyes briefly. “Mother, I don’t need a guilt trip. Dad can do whatever he chooses. We were just surprised to learn he’s still involved. From all accounts, he wasn't the last time we talked.”
Anna turned to Echo with a conspiratorial smile. “They aren’t very observant, are they? You’ll have to forgive them. They’re always so focused on themselves. It’s a fault I somehow allowed when they were growing up.”
Echo laughed and glanced at Deacon, her smile softening. “I don’t think it’s a fault—at least not with this one,” she said, her tone affectionate. “I’ve never had anyone take care of me as well as Deacon has over the last three weeks. From what I’ve seen, he looks after his team, and they look after him. So, the fault isn’t being self-centered. Perhaps the fault lies in not listening to their parents as well as they should?”
Anna smiled triumphantly and aimed a pointed look at both men.
Deacon groaned and leaned back. “For a minute there, I thought you were on my side,” he joked. He turned to his mother. “Mom, I’m sorry if we didn’t listen closely enough. I was under the impression Dad had fully retired.”
Gabriel’s gaze was steady as he replied, “Son, I raised that organization from its infancy. I’ll always be connected. I won’t be responding, and I probably won’t be leading any efforts. But I’ll know what’s going on, and I’ll know what my children are doing. Call it a personality flaw.” He winked at Anna, who chuckled softly.
A ring from the private elevator interrupted the moment, and Gabriel stood as Anna laughed. “That would be dinner. We figured you wouldn’t want to go out. A nice, quiet dinner in the hotel room seemed better.”
Echo exhaled, sinking into Deacon’s side. “Thank you so much. It’s been a long day.” She sipped her Chardonnay, her eyes widening as the smooth flavor hit her palate. “Oh my goodness, this is delicious. I don’t think I’ve ever had a wine this smooth.” She looked up at Deacon. “Could you get me the name of this wine so I can get some when I return to Virginia?”
“Absolutely,” Deacon said as he rose to help his father direct the waitstaff.
It took several minutes for the staff to arrange everything on the dining table. The smell of rich sauces, roasted meats, and fresh herbs filled the suite. Anna leaned toward Echo as the finishing touches were placed. “So,” she whispered, “this thing between you and Deacon—is it serious? I’m whispering because I’d be flayed alive if he knew I was asking.”
Echo chuckled as Anna took another sip of her red wine. Lowering her voice, Echo added, “It’s serious to me.”
Anna’s eyes twinkled, her smile widening. “Good. He’s a sweetheart under all that gruffness.” Anna looked down into her glass. Echo noted the ice cubes swirling in the wine—a detail that struck her as utterly bizarre yet oddly charming. Knowing her parents, who were the epitome of weird, she took the ice cube incident in stride.
“We want to see where it’s going,” Echo whispered to Anna, her voice soft with a vulnerability she rarely displayed. “There’s a connection, and it’s strong. But the way we met and everything that happened during the mission is causing … I think both of us have some concerns. What we feel is intense, and right now, it’s powerful. But when we return to the real world, that will be tested.” She shook her head, glancing down at her wine. The dim lighting in the suite made the golden liquid shimmer. “I really hope that what we feel grows stronger.” Looking up, she met Anna’s kind, knowing eyes and smiled sadly. “He’s an amazing man. I’ve seen both sides of him: the fierce team leader protecting his people, leading his team, and making sure I was safe. And I’ve seen the gentleman you raised—caring, gentle, and loving. He’s two sides of the same coin, and …” She hesitated, swallowing hard. “… I could easily fall in love with him.”
She already was helplessly in love with him. But she wasn’t about to admit that to his mother before she told Deacon himself.
Anna inhaled deeply, her hand finding Echo’s arm with a comforting squeeze. “Oh, sweetheart, I know my boys. When they find the one, they’ll hold on tight. You have nothing to worry about.” Anna blinked quickly, her misting eyes betraying her emotions. “I’m so happy for him. He’s the last of my babies to find someone he could spend the rest of his life with.”
Echo’s lips curved into a grateful smile. “Thank you. I hope it works out.”
Anna patted her arm gently, her voice warm and full of conviction. “It will, my dear. I promise you it will. Now, let’s go have some dinner.”
Two hours later, Echo stifled yet another yawn, but the combination of excellent food, wonderful wine, and the lingering exhaustion from her time in the jungle was impossible to fight. Deacon noticed instantly, his arm finding its familiar place around her shoulders. He leaned down, his voice soft and intimate. “Are you ready?”
She nodded, unable to hide her relief. Turning to Anna and Gabriel, Deacon said, “We’re out of here. It’s been a long day, and we need some sleep.”
Ronan rolled his eyes with a sly grin. “Sleep, right? Yeah, that’s what you’re gonna do.”
Anna scoffed in mock outrage. “Ronan Alexander, do not make me go find a switch!”
Ronan held up his hands, laughing. “Promise, Mom, I promise.”
Gabriel and Anna walked them to the door. Anna hugged Echo tightly, her warmth and sincerity unmistakable. “It was so nice to meet you. Hopefully, when we’re back in the States, we can get together often.”
“That sounds nice. But right now, I live in Virginia, so the distance could be a factor.” Echo laughed softly, although the thought of staying in touch with Anna truly appealed to her.
Anna snorted playfully. “Sweetheart, we have a place in Virginia. Just let me know when you’re free from that CIA job, and we’ll go out for lunch. We’ll take a car, so we can have wine while we chat.” She looked at her husband, her brow raised expectantly. “That would be okay with you, right?”
Gabriel looked at her over his glass of bourbon, his smile indulgent. “Anything you want, my dear. Absolutely anything you want.” He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Watching them, Echo felt a pang of longing. The way Gabriel looked at Anna, and how their love seemed to radiate between them, was exactly what she desired with Deacon. She glanced up at him and found him gazing at her with an expression so tender it took her breath away. Maybe, just maybe, they already had it.
As the elevator doors closed, Echo leaned into Deacon. “Your mom is an amazing and wonderful woman.”
Ronan snorted beside her. “My mom is really a handful,” he said with a laugh. “But yeah, we love her. She’s always been there for us and for Dad. She’s a source of strength and a true force of nature.”
The reverence in his tone was unmistakable. Then, almost absentmindedly, Ronan added, “That’s what I want for Fleur and me.”
Echo’s eyes widened in surprise, and she turned to look at Ronan. “Who’s that? You mentioned her before.”
“My lady, Fleur Buchanan,” he said simply, his voice softening. “We met on a mission in Syria. She was working at an NGO camp. An NGO is?—”
“Non-governmental organization,” Echo interjected. “Yeah, I got that. What was she doing in Syria? Was she working at the refugee camps?”
Ronan nodded. “Exactly. Only this one had several issues, most of which were made worse by some major criminals who’d worked their way into the camp leadership. She’s back in the States now, taking over running the administrative end supporting the nonprofit organizations and charities Guardian contributes to. It’s a substantial amount of work, but she’s learning it. Mom used to oversee everything, Gabby took it over, and now, Fleur has the helm.”
They walked down the hotel’s quiet, lushly carpeted hallway, the muted lighting casting a soft glow on the dark wood-paneled walls. The rich scent of polished wood and fresh-cut flowers lingered in the air, starkly contrasting the damp jungle they’d left behind. The trio stopped in front of Ronan’s door.
“What time is the outbrief tomorrow?” Ronan asked, his hand resting on the doorknob.
Deacon glanced at his watch and let out a deep yawn, his exhaustion evident. “Zero-eight hundred, which means we need to turn in and get some sleep. When I say it’s been a long day, I mean it’s been a long motherfucking day.”
Echo looked up at him, her own weariness reflected in her eyes, and nodded. “All right, how about we hook up for lunch?” Ronan suggested.
“Sounds like a plan.” Deacon pulled his brother into a brief, brotherly hug, slapping his back affectionately. “See you then.”
Ronan nodded and disappeared into his suite, the soft click of the door closing behind him. Deacon and Echo continued down the hallway to her room, the quiet hum of the hotel almost lulling them to sleep right there. Echo handed him her keycard, and he slid it into the reader, opening the door with a faint beep. He paused at the doorway, glancing at her as she stepped inside.
“Aren’t you coming in?” she asked, turning to face him.
He stepped inside, closing the door firmly and sliding the bolt into place. “I wasn’t joking,” he said, his tone half-serious, half-playful. “We really do need to sleep. And we don’t seem to do much of that when we’re in the same bed.”
Echo yawned so wide her jaw cracked, shaking her head as she stretched. “I’m so tired right now. Sleep is the only thing I’m going to do. You’re welcome to come with me. Sleep. That’s it.” Her words ended in another yawn, followed by a whole-body shiver, making Deacon chuckle softly.
“Fine, you’ve convinced me,” he said, his voice low and warm as he followed her into the room. The suite was dimly lit, the thick curtains drawn against the city lights outside. The room’s soft beige tones were soothing, with plush bedding on the king-sized bed and a faint lavender scent from the hotel’s signature linen spray.
Echo wasted no time removing her clothes and tossing them onto a chair before sinking into the cool, inviting sheets. Deacon followed suit, folding his slacks and shirt with the practiced efficiency of someone accustomed to packing quickly. He slipped into bed behind her, pulling her back against his chest as she adjusted her pillow.
His arms wrapped around her securely. His warmth next to her felt familiar, safe, and so right. She sighed, contented, and relaxed for the first time that day. He adjusted his legs, aligning their bodies perfectly, and kissed the top of her head.
Safe, warm, and enveloped in his arms, it took only moments before Echo drifted off to sleep.