Her Shield (The Uncut Series Book 1) (5 page)

  “We're going now. I didn't get dressed for nothing,” she told him still turned away.

  They drove a few more miles in silence before he reached for her hand. “You're angry with me. Why?”

She turned to him removing her hand. “I don't want to play games with you.”

He looked confused. “What games?”

  “The 'I want to kiss you and hold your hand while I have another woman' games,” she told him.

  Marc applauded her honesty and nodded. “Okay Isis, I know I may be sending you mixed signals.”

  “You think?” she asked.

He continued to drive. “You know that we can't become involved.”

She turned back to the window.

  “I'm protecting you. I'm investigating your father and you're Ray's sister-in-law,” he explained.

  Isis didn't budge. “Just don't make me think you want me when there's someone else. I've already done that.”

Marc turned to her frowning. “Is this about Trent?” he asked.

She nodded slowly, clutching her bag.

  He took her hand again holding it tightly this time. “I'm not a boy. I'm a grown man and I wouldn't lead you on. Not intentionally.”

She looked at him again as he held her hand. “Then what is this?” she whispered confused.

  Marc sighed. “I can't lie to you Isis. You're a very beautiful woman and I'm very attracted to you but because of the circumstances I've described, I can't...I won't...I'm trying not to act on that attraction.”

  She removed her hand again. “Then don't.” Isis turned back to the window and Marc continued driving.

  As they continued their journey, Isis wondered where they were going. They had driven out of the city a while ago and seemed to be headed north. This area was filled with mega mansions owned by the extremely affluent and reclusive. She watched as they pulled into an estate where a group of valets were waiting to park cars.

  Marc exited the car and Isis stepped out after an attendant had opened her door. She glanced up at the home in awe. She had grown up in a large home but compared to this it might as well have been a bungalow. Marc appeared at her side and placed a hand on her back as he led her to the door.

  Isis wondered who this woman was that lived in such a palace. Marcus called her Princess so he must call this woman Queen. The door was thrown open and a beautiful, vivacious woman around Isis' age ran out throwing her arms around Marc. Isis stood to the side as he hugged the woman kissing her cheek.

  “Hello handsome!” she exclaimed happily.

  He smiled down at her. The first real smile Isis had ever seen from him and it was magnificent. “Hello gorgeous!” he responded.

  The woman then turned to Isis before looking back at Marc. “Is this your friend you told me about yesterday?”

Marc nodded. “Yes, this is Isis...”

  The woman quickly turned to her. “Isis, that is such a beautiful name! Marc told me he's protecting you.”

She turned back to him and beamed as he smiled at her again. “You're in the best hands ever.”

  Isis watched the pair now wondering why she was here. This had definitely not been a good idea.

  “My brother is a Super Special Agent. Isn't that right Marc?”

  Isis froze for a moment. Brother? Wait...did she say brother? Isis looked at the pair again and now noticed the resemblance. While the woman didn't have his platinum eyes, she possessed the same skin tone and regal features.

  “Isis this is my sister, Tasha.” He introduced. “And as you can tell she's completely unbiased.”

Tasha laughed then whispered. “Marc is my favorite, but don't tell Jeremiah.”

  “Tasha what are you doing with this door open?” a cultured feminine voice asked as it came closer.

  When she appeared, Isis knew this was Marcus' mother. She was the mature version of Tasha and the love she had in her eyes when they landed on her son was obvious.

  “Marcus,” she opened her arms to him. “I'm so glad you came.”

  “I promised Tasha I would.” He returned her embrace warmly.

  He stepped back and introduced Isis, watching his mother's delight. “Oh my, aren't you lovely.” She smiled taking Isis' hand. “I'm Marcus' mother, Alice.”

  Marc shook his head at the obvious direction his mother's thoughts were taking. “Isis is a friend, Mother. She's doing me a favor by agreeing to allow me to escort her today,” he said looking over at Isis.

  “Well then you are a lucky man today.” Still holding Isis' hand, she turned to walk inside. “Come Isis, let's have girl talk.”

Tasha smiled. “Oooooh....I love girl talk.”

  “Isis isn't here for that,” he informed them and both women looked at Isis.

She smiled. “Sure, I'd love some girl talk. I've been stuck with Marcus for the last two days.”

  Marc frowned as the three women walked away leaving him standing at the door. As he felt someone approaching, he turned quickly.

  “Don't shoot FBI man!” his brother said throwing his hands in the air.

  “Jeremiah.”

  His brother smiled. “The prodigal son has returned. Has Father ordered the fatted calf to be killed?” He laughed. “Oh I forgot, you do the killing.”

  “Not today Jeremiah, I'm here for Tasha,” Marc told him.

Jeremiah smirked. “Of course you are. You two act like you're the only two siblings.”

  “Stay away from me or we will be.” Marc walked into the house looking to see where Isis had headed.

  He began down a hall when he heard his name called and he froze. He turned and stared into platinum eyes identical to his own.

  “Hello Marcus,” his father said stopping in front of him.

Marc nodded. “Father.”

  “Tasha said you were coming but I didn't believe it. I thought you'd come up with another excuse not to show up.”

  “It's her birthday. I wouldn't disappoint her,” Marc told him.

  His father frowned. “Unlike how you've disappointed me, but it's your life. You can ruin it anyway you like and we both know, you have certainly tried.”

  The women laughed loudly from another room and Marc turned to head in that direction. When he entered, he found the three huddled together sharing secrets. Isis looked up and saw him but her attention was captured by the man standing behind him.

  His platinum eyes told her this was Marcus' father but the thing that struck her most was that she knew this man. She stood to her feet and walked over to where both men were standing.

  “You're Gregory Graham. Oh my god!” she said excitedly. “You've won an Oscar and a Tony Award.”

His father beamed as Isis turned to Marc. “You never said your father was an actor.”

Marc looked at his father. “That was a role he never got an award for.”

  “Marcus!” his mother shouted and his father's smile turned into a frown as his brother showed up in the doorway.

  “Let the show begin,” he said looking between his father and brother.

  “There is no show. I came to celebrate Tasha's day,” Marc glanced at his sister. “Nothing more.”

  Tasha smiled at the big brother she loved more than anything then Marc took Isis' hand. “Let's go outside.”

  Marc quietly walked her outdoors where everything was set up for a party. He led her to a secluded area before turning to stare down into her dark brown eyes filled with questions.

  “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring you into my family circus,” he told her.

  “Well if this is a circus, I guess I live in a family zoo.”

Marc continued to silently study her face.

  “I owe you another apology,” she said quietly watching him in return.

  “For what?”

  She smiled ruefully. “For assuming you were talking to a girlfriend on the phone yesterday. It was your sister, wasn't it?”

  “Yes, it was.”

Isis shook her head. “Why didn't you just say so?”

  “Because it was better if you thought it was a woman I was involved with,” he explained.

  “Better for whom?”

  “The situation,” he answered honestly.

She looked away. “I don't know what you want.”

  “I thought I did.”

She turned back to him. “Why did you bring me here?” she asked.

He paused for a moment. “Because you wanted me to be Marcus.”

  “I think I'll like him much better than that rude and arrogant Agent Graham,” she told him.

Marc removed his glasses and stepped closer. “If Marcus kissed you, would you slap him?”

  “If he's as dangerous as Agent Graham, he'd take his chances,” she whispered pressing even closer.

His silver eyes sparkled. “He's very dangerous, even more than Agent Graham.”

  “How so?” she asked caught in the spell.

  He looked down at her mouth. “Special Agent Graham rescues daughters...Marcus takes Princesses.”

  “Where does he take them?” she asked slowly.

Marc lifted a hand and touched her lips. “Come with him and find out.”

  Isis placed a hand on his wrist halting his touch. “What if he finds another Princess along the way?”

  “Then he's a fool who didn't deserve such a beautiful Princess in the first place.”

Isis stepped back and stared up at him. “I don't want to go through this a-”

  Her words were cut off as Marc tightened his hand and pulled her face to his. He lowered his mouth robbing her of all her breath. All Isis could do was hold on to his muscled arms as he claimed her lips and tasted her tongue.

Marc finally lifted his head and looked down into her dazed eyes.

  “I'm coming to take you Isis...”

  Later that evening, Marc stood in the shadows watching Isis from a distance as she charmed his parents and sister. He walked over to where she was sitting and asked her to dance. Looking up at him, she smiled slowly and accepted.

  Marc led her to the crowded dance floor before gently taking her into his arms and Isis looked up into his glasses.

  “My family has adopted you,” he commented staring down at her.

She smiled. “They're very nice. Thank you for bringing me to meet them.”

  “Thank you for coming with me. It's out of the ordinary to take your assignment to meet your family,” he commented and she looked away at his words. Marc paused and turned her face back to his.

  “But we've established that you're not just an assignment and honestly, I don't think you ever were.”

He pulled her closer. “This is going to be very difficult Isis.”

Isis felt his body close to hers and laid her head against his chest. “I know Marcus.”

  They continued to dance slowly with Marc rubbing a hand along her back, while his family watched from a distance. Marc and Isis both knew of the danger that awaited them, but neither knew that danger was watching them at this very moment.

  Marc felt someone approaching and turned to find his brother smiling at the couple. “Can I cut in little brother?” he asked looking over Isis. “The rest of the family has taken all of her attention today. I'd like some for myself.”

  Marc felt Isis stiffen at his brother's words. “Move away Jeremiah before I ruin Tasha's party,” Marc warned.

Jeremiah smiled at Isis. “Another time then.”

  Marc stepped to his brother and leaned down to his ear. “There won't be another time and you know not to fuck with me Jeremiah. Don't forget what happened the last time you tried.”

  His brother's eyes widened as Marc straightened and looked at him with a grim expression on his face. Jeremiah walked away with Marc watching until he was out of sight.

  As he turned back to Isis, his sister appeared grabbing her arm. “Come on Isis! All the girls are having shots.”

Isis looked worried. “What kind of shots?”

Tasha smiled. “Jello-O.”

She paused. “I'm allergic to strawberry.”

  “We have all flavors. Come on!” Tasha looked at her brother. “I'm stealing her but I'll give her back later.”

  “Have you considered that she doesn't want to be stolen?” Marc asked.

  Tasha grinned. “You'll have her all to yourself again when you leave and I'll make sure to keep an eye on her.”

Marc looked at Isis. “It's up to you Princess.”

  Isis had felt a bond with Marc's sister since she'd opened the door and greeted her. She found that she did want to spend more time with the happy young woman her age. Honestly, she had never done shots before but thought this was a great opportunity to try something new, just like with her tattoo. Hesitantly she turned to Marcus.

  “You'll stay close?” she asked thinking about the encounter with his brother. “If I need you?”

  “You know I'm not going anywhere without you.”

She smiled. “Okay.” Turning to his sister she said, “Let's do it.”

  The two women headed in the direction of the bar and Marc followed slowly giving them enough distance to have their fun but close enough for him to spring into action, if need be. He checked his phone for any messages from Ray letting him know the status of identifying potential threats against Isis. As he scrolled through his messages, he paused at one from Khayla. She had written that she was just checking on him to see if everything was okay and for him to call when he was free.

  Marc glanced over where Isis was taking her first shot. He watched her facial expression after she'd swallowed the colorful drink. She closed her eyes tightly then opened them before smiling broadly at his sister who was beaming. He was surprised that the two women had connected so quickly. Tasha was the sweetest thing walking but she was also very protective of her older brother. She had always been in Marc's corner, even when no one else had been.

Marc glanced back at the phone in his hand and typed a quick message to Khayla.

 
Hey gorgeous. On an assignment right now. Will talk to you later. Things have become complicated.

He pressed send and a minute later, he received a response.

 
Lol. I know what that means. She must be special.

He responded back.

 
I don't want you waiting for me.

Her answer came shortly after.

 
I wasn't. We both knew this wasn't a long term relationship deal. You know I have my own complicated situation here in Detroit. You're an incredible man and I hope she appreciates you.

He answered quickly.

 
Make sure Lance knows that I'm on his ass if he hurts you. You're far too beautiful to be waiting on any man.

Finally, she ended their communication with a “
Take care Marcus
.”

  Marcus put his phone away and glanced back over at the woman who'd now removed her shoes and was laughing heartily with his sister as they indulged in their Jell-O shots. He was a bit surprised that Isis had agreed, although he knew she had a bad girl side buried underneath all that polish.

  An hour later he went to retrieve his assignment who was still having the time of her life with Tasha and her friends. Marc first picked up her shoes, then her. “Time to go Princess.”

  Isis grabbed her bag and looked up at him as he held her in his arms. “I don't want to go.” She pouted wrapping her arms around his neck and laying her head on his shoulder.

  “I don't want her to go either.” His sister pouted along with Isis.

Marc shook his head. “It's time for you two to separate.”

Tasha came and threw her arms around them both. “Bye Isis! I love you!” Tasha screamed.

  “I love you too!” Isis screamed in Marc's ear and he winced slightly.

  Clearly, the watered down shots were taking effect on both women. Marc knew there was no way his mother would allow these women to get completely drunk on her watch. Tipsy maybe, but drunk...no.

  “I love you Marc!” Tasha shouted still hugging the pair.

  “I love you Marc!” Isis shouted mimicking Tasha.

  Marc stepped out of his sister's embrace. “Happy birthday and I love you. Go to bed little girl.” He kissed her cheek and walked across the grounds with Isis holding on to him, singing happy birthday at the top of her lungs.

  Isis stopped singing when they got to the car and turned to him. “Do you want me to drive?” she asked then burst out laughing.

  Marc looked down at her and smiled. Isis' laugh did something to him every time, maybe because she'd rarely done it in his presence before or maybe because it was simply the sweetest sound to his ears.

  “I can handle the driving,” he told her as he set her on her feet while opening the door. Marc helped her inside before going around the car. He glanced at her as he settled himself inside.

  “Are you okay Princess?” he asked watching her sitting back on the seat with her eyes closed.

She smiled naughtily. “I'm imagining you naked.”

Marc started the car. “No more shots for you.”

She opened her eyes and turned to him. “I'm not drunk. I imagine you naked all the time.”

He glanced at her before putting the car into gear and taking off. As he drove, Isis kept talking.

  “I've seen just about everything except the most important thing,” she smiled again and laid her head back against the leather seat. “My girlfriends have told me about it though.”

  “Not yours in particular!” She laughed out loud again and he turned to her. “I don't believe they've seen it.”

  “Isis...” he began and she kept talking.

  “I mean I hope not. I wouldn't like that.” She frowned.

  Marc sighed wondering how long she was going to keep up this conversation. Who knew Jell-O shots made you horny?

She turned to him with her eyes wide. “Have you ever sent pictures of it?”

  “No.” She laid her head back again and closed her eyes.

  “Is it nice though? I mean have you gotten compliments?” she asked.

  What the hell? Is this where her thoughts went when she was a little tipsy? What the hell goes on in that damn mind of hers, he thought to himself.

  “We should change the subject,” he told her.

  “Hmmm...no compliments huh?” She nodded her head slowly.

  Marc frowned. “For your information, I've gotten plenty of compliments and they always come back for more.”

Isis smiled. “Good. I'd hoped so.”

  “Is this what you think about?” Marc asked out loud.

  “Yeah, a lot more after you touched me at my apartment,” she answered.

She turned to him again with bright eyes. “Do you think about me naked?”

  Marc gripped the wheel with two hands and turned to her. “You don't want me to answer that and I don't think it's wise right now.”

  “You can tell me Marcus. I won't tell anyone else,” she whispered as if they were not the only two in the vehicle. “Do you think about me naked?”

Marc clinched his jaw. “Yes, Isis.”

  She turned back to her reclining position with a smile. “Well no one's seen what I have. I've kept it very private. I'm a lady.”

Marc nodded as he continued to drive. “I know Isis.”

  “Do you want to see it Marcus?” she asked.

  His eyes automatically flew to her creamy thighs showing from underneath her dress. Hell yeah he wanted to see it. See it, touch it, taste it, smell it. Claim it.

  “Aren't you tired?” he asked. “You've had a long day. Why don't you sit back and relax until we get back to the house.”

She turned to him frowning. “You don't want to see it?”

  “What do you think Isis?” he asked looking at her.

She studied him for a moment then smiled. “Yeah, you want to see it.” 

Isis laughed and laid back. “You want to see it bad.”

  Marc couldn't help but laugh. This girl was something else and she was right. He did want to see it bad.

  “If you keep talking, I'm going to see it right now on the side of this road,” he cautioned.

  She shook her head. “No, I don't want to be tipsy when you see it. I want to see in your eyes that you like it.”

  “I already like it Isis.”

  “I like to look at you, it makes me want to touch you.” She squirmed in her seat. “And it makes me hot.”

Marc took his gaze off the road. “Are you sure you're not drunk?”

  “Nope, just a little tipsy,” she answered. “I'll prove it. Ask me a math question. No, not math, I hate that.”

  “Ask me a question about me,” she instructed.

Marc waited and then looked at her seriously. “Why do you believe so strongly in your father?”

  She was quiet for a moment before she answered. “Because I have to, he's all I have and if you take him away, I'll be all alone,” she whispered.

  “You have Isabelle,” he pointed out.

  Isis shrugged. “She has Ray and a baby on the way. She also has Jordan, Sean and their wives.”

  “I have friends but not anyone of my own, except my Daddy,” she explained. “Mommy died when I was still a teenager.”

  Marc knew all of Isis' past regarding her family. It was his job to know but he also wanted to hear it from her.

  “I still miss her so much,” she said shakily as her eyes watered. “Your mother reminded me a lot of her.” She turned to the window.

  Marc reached over and took her hand in his bringing it to his lips. “I should have asked you the math question.”

Isis turned and looked at him through her wet lashes and smiled.

  They arrived at the house and Marc came around to help her out of the car. Isis held her shoes in one hand and her bag in the other. She gasped as he swept her off her feet and headed towards the door.

  “I can walk Marcus. I told you I'm not drunk,” she protested.

  “It's fine. I can't have you tripping and hurting yourself.” He managed to punch in the code for the door then walked inside still holding on to her. She was giggling as she pushed the door closed and Marc detected a sound inside the house.

  He immediately went into action standing Isis on her feet and drawing his gun. She looked at him startled and he put a finger to her lips and shook his head indicating for her to remain silent. He motioned slowly for her to move behind him and she moved instantly. Isis held on to the back of his jacket as he moved further inside.

  Marc held his weapon in front of him as they headed in the direction he'd heard the sound. He turned the corner and shouted. “Freeze! FBI!”

  “Yeah I know,” Ray answered holding a glass of apple juice.

Marc sighed. “Ray! What the hell? I could've killed you.”