Flint stood back waiting for Liam and Sean to pass him. They were dragging a groggy Mindbender behind them.
"You...guard the door," Liam snapped at Flint.
Flint took his post against the door. He heard Mindbender speak up first.
"I've done exactly what you've asked...we want her handed over to us immediately."
"Ah...ah...I never stated that I would be so callous as to hand her over, did I?" Destro snorted, walking towards the sidebar. "A brandy?"
"No...don't change subjects with me," the doctor fumed. "First, you summon me with your orders to complete the reprogramming with promises..."
"I promised nothing.... did you honestly believe I'd simply hand her over to COBRA? She's too valuable to my ultimate goal." He sneered over his sniffer. "Have her memories been suppressed?"
"Suppressed?" Mindbender cackled. "You could say Lady Jaye is dead. There's no way her memories of her time with the Joes could possibly return. Right now her mind's a blank slate."
Flint paled as he listened to Mindbender's words.
"We shall see...I'll let you know her availability to COBRA in a few days," Destro reached for his phone, and dialed. "I want to know how she is....you understand? Liam, show him the door."
"Now see here!" Mindbender resisted his escort.
"NO! COBRA Commander does not have any say in what members of my clan do. You can leave on your own.... OR, I can have you forcefully removed. The choice is yours," Destro sneered.
"I'm going but this isn't over," Mindbender spat, wrenching his arm free of Liam.
Flint's pursuit of him was cut short the moment he heard Destro hit the speakerphone.
"How is she, Ian?"
"She's sleeping, laird. Shall I bring her back to the castle?"
"No...keep her there until further notice. I'll send a detachment to escort her back. Is Margaret watching her?"
"Yes, she said she was sleeping peacefully. The procedure took a lot out of her...she's weak." Ian bit his lower lip.
"She'll be fine...it had to be done. Let her rest, I'll call you later."
Flint scowled, stalking off to find Scarlett.
**********************
"Ailíse?" She lifted her head towards the door.
"Ian...what time is it?" She frowned, adjusting her eyes to the darkened room.
"It's after 8...I thought you might be hungry," he sat on the edge of the bed, tracing the back of his hand along her jaw.
"I'm famished...but I think I'll take a shower first. Please have a tray sent up," she stifled a yawn.
"I thought you might like to have dinner with me. We haven't spent any time alone since the beach," he smiled.
"Let me get a shower and I'll be down." She smiled, pulling her self up. "I'm a disaster."
"You...never...I'll be downstairs. Margaret went back to the castle." He paused in the doorway. "The others are on watch."
*********************
"C'mon Shipwreck.... you heard Flint. He wants us to check out Destro's hunting lodge," Beach Head grumbled at the sailor who was resting his head on the table.
"I don't' see why he'd send her somewhere on his estate when he's got that castle," Shipwreck raised his head, rubbing his eyes. "He's probably got her locked up in a tower."
"Flint's checking the castle with Scarlett...we got the lodge," Beach Head pulled him from the table. "Now, move your sorry ass."
"All right...all right," Shipwreck groaned, pulling on his jacket and watch cap.
***********************
Ailíse came down to dinner an hour later feeling refreshed and dressed in a strapless beige dress with a straight skirt that stopped just above her knees.
"Ian?" She called his name as she stepped off the stairs. Looking around, she noticed a dim light coming from under a door. "Oh...my," she paused in the door, glancing towards a small table near the windows. The room was illuminated in candlelight. Ian was adjusting the stereo.
"You look beautiful," he turned, walking towards her, his eyes drinking her in. "I'm glad Margaret decided to pack that for you. Dinner is ready," he gestured towards the table.
"How did you manage all this?" She paused at the back of her chair.
"I have my ways," he chuckled, pulling out her chair. "Besides, I thought you'd like a break from the castle. A nice quiet evening, just the two of us?" He walked to a small cart lifting their salad plates.
"I guess you do," she smiled, draping her napkin across her lap. She waited for him to be seated. "Ian, why did my Uncle want me to stay here?" She saw hesitation cross his brow for a second.
"He's handling business from the castle and didn't want you to be disturbed," he replied, pouring a goblet of wine for each of them.
"Business?"
"He's in meetings with COBRA..."
"Why does he persist in treating me like a helpless child?" She stabbed a tomato with her fork. "Why?"
"We want to make sure you're safe," Ian reached for her hand. "Please...don't let them ruin this evening," he gently squeezed her hand in his.
"You're right, I'm sorry," she looked down at the table. "You really did go overboard."
"Well, it is not often I get to spend a quiet evening alone with my beautiful fiancée, now is it?" He winked at her, lifting his goblet.
"No, I guess not," she chuckled softly.
*****************
"Beach Head and Shipwreck are headed for the lodge," Flint whispered over his shoulder to Scarlett scrubbing the floor outside Ailíse's chambers.
"Good, did you check the cellars?"
"Nothing there...did you check the storage rooms?" He stepped out of her way.
"Yeah," she rolled her eyes. "Remind me to thank Margaret for this," she groaned, standing up with her bucket. "I'm headed for the maid's area...if Margaret knows something, she may be gloating again. Why don't you check the grenadiers' barracks?"
"Sounds like a plan." He stepped away from her and stopped. "Scarlett?"
"We'll get her back," she nodded. "Go and see what you can find out."
*****************
"That was delicious," she sat back in her chair, looking towards the window. The moonlight trickled across the flagstone patio outside the window.
"That's not all," Ian opened a bottle of champagne, sending the cork flying across the room and bouncing off a vase. Both cringed involuntarily at the sound of the cork ricocheting upwards.
"You know you may want to give that to the lab guys," she suppressed a humorous smirk.
"Huh?"
"They're always looking for new ideas for the latest deadly weapon, aren't they?" She laughed at his confusion.
"I didn't realize I was marrying a comedian," he sighed, pouring two glasses.
"It's my greatest secret," she mused, lifting her glass.
"Not so fast," Ian stopped her. "A toast..."
"A toast?"
"Hmmm," he lifted his glass, moving closer to her. "To you, my luv, may you always know my love for you and never doubt that."
"Ian?"
"Shh.... it's my toast," he watched her drink from her glass. "Dance with me?" He reached for her hand.
"I'd love to," she smiled brightly as she stood. The music slowly drifted through to her subconscious, awaking her memories and the feelings of another private dinner. Feeling slightly disoriented from Mindbender's treatment, the wine, and champagne, she closed her eyes. She recalled being held as she danced to the same music. Lifting her face to Ian, she saw his morph to the other man's. "Ian?" She tensed in his arms.
"Easy, luv," he caressed her cheek, tilting her face towards his. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she shook the thoughts away, snuggling into his embrace.
"Ailíse?" He softly whispered, stroking her hair. She slowly lifted her face, closing her eyes as his lips brushed over hers. Her mind still wrapped up in the memories, she began to respond to his kisses as Ian had guided her to a sofa. She fell back to the sofa with Ian; her hands roaming over his chest. Her mind's eye wasn't seeing Ian, as she tilted her head back. She softly moaned, feeling his hands caressing her skin.
**********************
"Shipwreck...move it," Beach Head hissed over his shoulder, waiting for the sailor to catch up with him.
"You see anything?"
"Shhh...I don't see any grenadiers. You're sure this is the place Flint wanted us to check out?"
"Yeah...it's the only one for miles around...ain't it? He pushed past Beach Head to the corner of the window.
"Checkin' it out...get down 'fore they see you," Beach Head shoved him to the side.
Crouching by the windows, they saw a couple lying on the sofa. "Beach Head, I feel like a peepin' Tom standing here. Come on, let's move back," Shipwreck hissed, watching the man shifting on the sofa. His back was blocking their view; they watched him pushing himself up from the sofa, pulling the woman into his arms.
Shipwreck pulled at Beach Head's arm, "C'mon, she's not here....do you see any Grenadiers?" They watched unable to understand what was being said.
Ian felt her relaxing in his arms. He felt the warmth of her skin beneath his touch. Wanting her more as she responded to his kisses, he groaned. Breaking the kiss, he caressed her cheek. "Ailíse...let me make love to you...tonight." He stammered slightly unsure of himself. She responded by kissing him more deeply, hearing a deep growl as he lifted her into his arms.
"Beach Head, if you want to watch somethin' then rent a porno, will ya? Let's go, this is getting..." Shipwreck was cut off by Beach Head's arm flying to his chest.
"Wait!" He nodded towards the man, carrying the woman. They saw her face as Ian cradled her up to his chest, turning her towards the window for a brief instant.
"Mother of Mercy!" Shipwreck's eyes went wide.
"Let's move. We have to get her out of there before she does something she'll regret," Beach Head backed up, slipping into the shadows. "Shipwreck!"
"You stay here, I'm gonna get Flint and let him know," Shipwreck fumbled for the radio.
"There's no time! We have to get up there now, before 'loverboy' gets his way...now move it sailor!" Beach Head barked.
They quickly figured out her room and climbed the trellis.
"Patrick...look," one of the grenadiers pointed to the Joes climbing.
"You get them...I'll get Ian." He slapped the other grenadier forward while he ran into the lodge.
Shipwreck looked through the window, watching Ian gently lay her on the bed. "The window's cracked," he hissed to Beach Head, still on the trellis.
"Let me make love to you," Ian growled, settling above her. "If you're not ready...I won't rush you," he coaxed, claiming her mouth with his. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he deepened the kiss.
"SHIT!" Shipwreck rolled his eyes heavenward, watching Ian slowly roll her onto her side, unzipping her dress. Ian was nibbling her shoulder while his hand gently pushed her skirt up. He held his breath as Ian removed his hand, slowly peeling the dress down.
"Beach Head...get your six up here.... he's not going to stop," Shipwreck wiped the back of his neck with his cap. "Let's get her... Beach Head...Beach Head?" Shipwreck turned to see grenadiers below, motioning them to come down.
"Lady Ailíse...Lady...oh...excuse me," Patrick rushed into the room, pausing at the sight before him. Ian pulled her close to him, rolling to the side of the bed to block her.
"PATRICK!" Ian roared, "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!"
"I can't," he gulped, averting his eyes from the bed.
"What in the hell has come over you...charging into my room unannounced?" Ailíse growled, reaching for her discarded dress.
"We have visitors, milady." Patrick pointed to the window, tossing her a robe from her chair.
"Ian?" She watched him stalk towards the window, leaning out with his hands on the sill.
"Get them inside, NOW!" He whipped around to face Patrick. "I'll see you downstairs in a minute." He waited for Patrick to leave before he approached her. "I'll handle them. You get some rest," he leaned down to kiss her.
"NO! They were after me, weren't they?" She fumed, tightening her robe about her waist.
"Ailíse...let me handle them," he pulled her into his arms.
"And what would you have me do, turn a blind eye? Is that what you want me to do?"
"No...I don't want you to worry about them," he sighed heavily.
***********************
"Hey, take it easy, will ya?" Shipwreck stumbled into the parlor behind Beach Head.
"Who are you? What were you doing on the trellis?" Patrick growled, entering the room.
"We got locked out," Shipwreck shrugged.
"YOU!" Patrick grabbed Shipwreck by the lapels on his jacket, shaking him.
"PATRICK!" Ian stalked into the room, pulling him to the side. "Call Liam at the castle," he hissed under his breath before turning to the Joes. "Well, gentlemen, would you care to tell me what you think you were doing outside my..."
"Ian," Ailíse called from the doorway. Everyone paused to look up at her as she entered the room. Shipwreck and Beach Head looked at each other for a second.
"Ailíse, please let me handle this," Ian wrapped his arms around her, leaning his forehead against hers.
"NO! I'm tired of being stalked by the likes of them," she spat, glaring at Shipwreck and Beach Head.
Shipwreck and Beach Head gulped. Watching Ian trying to hold her back, she pushed his arms away from her.
"Who are you? Wait...you're two of the Joes.... Shipwreck and Beach Head. Yes, I remember you from my Uncle's files. What were you doing outside my window?"
"Let us handle them, luv," Ian placed his hands on her shoulders, gently kneading the knots forming in her neck.
"No, I want an answer.... well, you dare try to sneak into my home? What were you after?" She growled, placing her hands on her hips. Shipwreck and Beachhead said nothing for a moment. They were stunned at the venom of her words and tone. They'd known her temper in the past but that was nothing compared to this.
"We... came to get you..." Shipwreck stammered.
"You came to get me? Well, you can't have me. Now, get the hell out of here and tell who ever sent you the same. Who else is with you? Surely you weren't foolish enough to come alone, were you?" She spat just inches from his face. "Who sent you?" She roared.
"Answer Lady Ailíse..." Patrick jostled Beach Head.
Shipwreck and Beach Head stared at each other.
"Why?" She leaned into their eyes. Neither of them answered. "Get them out of here...find out what my uncle wishes to be done with them. I'm going to bed, double the guard and find out what these two are hiding." She commanded walking from the room. Ian chased her out into the hall.
"Get them out of here." He ordered the grenadiers before pulling her to him. "Ailíse?"
"I'm not feeling well...I'm getting another headache," she winced. "I need to lay down," her legs weakened beneath her as she fell into his arms.
"AILISE! Patrick, lock them up!" Ian growled, lifting her up in his arms.
*********************
"Ian, I'm fine. Go and call my uncle, please," she called from her bathroom, wiping a cool cloth over her face. "Ian?"
"I don't think you should stay alone tonight, not after this. There could be others out there," he looked up at her from where he sat on the edge of the bed.
"I can handle myself." She smiled, placing a finger to his lips to silence his protest.
"You know what I mean, stay in my room tonight. I'll take another room after I call your uncle to make arrangements for your return to the castle. You're not safe here, Ailíse. There's no telling who they'll send next."
"All right, if you're sure it's not too much trouble. I'll take your room for the night. You can have mine." She offered him her hand as he stood, walking him to the door. "I'll go there as soon as I finish getting ready for bed...I promise." She went to step back, and felt herself pulled forward into his arms. "Ian?" She laughed.
"I love you...you know that right?"
"Yes," she smiled, tiptoeing up to brush a kiss over his lips. "Go and make your calls." She pushed him into the hall before turning to look out the windows. She spotted two grenadiers below her window, and walked to her closet to change. Dressed in a pale cream silk nightgown, she sat in front of her mirror brushing her hair. She signed, throwing her brush down. "Enough," she stood, reaching for her robe. She slipped her robe on and headed to Ian's room for the night. Her sleep was full of images and dreams of a handsome man with a lopsided grin.
**********************
Ian called Destro to inform him of the Joes...
"Laird...we have visitors," he paced the study, raking his hand through his hair.
"Who?" Destro growled.
"Two Joes...Beach Head and Shipwreck... broke into her room tonight. She was furious.... ordering them locked up until you decide what to do with them. I've never seen her so...." He stammered.
"Ian...how did they get so close? Never mind...have her ready to travel. I want her to return tonight. I'll be in touch as soon I have things arranged." Hanging the phone up, he looked at a picture of Amanda.
********************
"Hey, Beach Head, look what's showed up?" Shipwreck nodded towards Ian.
"Well, it's the main man, isn't it? Do you really think you'd get her if she knew what a coward you really are, yahoo?" Beach Head sneered.
"You'd be wise to keep quiet," Ian spat back.
"Wait till her boyfriend catches on to you.... he'll kick your miserable ass. He's a real man," Beach Head hissed.
"A real man protects his woman," Ian countered.
"Tell me, does Destro know you're trying to get some?" Shipwreck smirked.
"Keep it up...you're days are numbered." Ian fumed, walking away.
"Wait till Destro hears how you let security lapse. Caught with your pants down," Shipwreck laughed at his back.
*******************
Ian carefully opened the door, looking towards the bed where she slept.
He sat on the edge of the bed, gently lifting the book from her hands. She turned; slightly parting the robe she wore, revealing the lace over the bodice of her nightgown. He found his hands lifting her in his arms, peeling the robe away from her to make her more comfortable. He kissed her as her face turned up towards him.
"What do you think you're doing? Put her down right now" Destro loomed in the doorway. "I ordered you to stay out of her room at night, didn't I?"
"Ian, what's going on?" She whispered, her eyes unable to open.
"Shhh, nothing, luv, go back to sleep" he tucked the covers around her.
"Ian, I will see you downstairs!" Destro growled, placing his hand on his shoulder.
*****************
"Explain to me how two Joe's got in!" Destro grabbed Patrick by his uniform.
"The night watch spotted them at the window...I thought she was with Ian downstairs when I came rushing in the room," he sputtered, looking from Destro to Ian. "I tried to find Ian but he wasn't around..."
"Really...where was Ian?"
"I found him in the lady's room. They were...."
"What were they doing?" Destro's eyes narrowed on Ian.
"They were...ah...ah..." Patrick gulped, looking towards Ian.
"I see," Destro clenched his fist. "What did I tell you about staying away from her?" He growled, grabbing Ian by the collar. "What did I say?"
"We just got carried away...we didn't," Ian brought his arms up deflecting Destro's grip.
"I'll deal with you later," Destro snapped at him. "Where are the Joes?"
*******************
Shipwreck gulped as Destro stormed into the room.
"Who else is with you?" He pulled Shipwreck from his chair, shaking him.
"No one," Shipwreck snapped.
"I'm warning you, who else is out there? Is Flint waiting?" Destro yelled more enraged.
"They're searching other places," Beach Head snarled. "Put him down, Metal Head, what the hell's the matter with you...you ought be bashing loverboy over there around...he was..."
"Really, and what was he doing?" Destro sneered, shifting his eyes from the two Joes to Ian.
"He was all over her when we found her like a...." Shipwrecks words were cut off by Destro's laughter.
"What the hell's so funny?" Beach Head sneered.
"I'll leave that to you to figure out...Patrick, ready them for transport." Destro walked off with Ian following.
"If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut. He's not the first guy before a handfasting," Patrick scowled.
Beach Head and Shipwreck looked at each other.
"You...guard the door," Liam snapped at Flint.
Flint took his post against the door. He heard Mindbender speak up first.
"I've done exactly what you've asked...we want her handed over to us immediately."
"Ah...ah...I never stated that I would be so callous as to hand her over, did I?" Destro snorted, walking towards the sidebar. "A brandy?"
"No...don't change subjects with me," the doctor fumed. "First, you summon me with your orders to complete the reprogramming with promises..."
"I promised nothing.... did you honestly believe I'd simply hand her over to COBRA? She's too valuable to my ultimate goal." He sneered over his sniffer. "Have her memories been suppressed?"
"Suppressed?" Mindbender cackled. "You could say Lady Jaye is dead. There's no way her memories of her time with the Joes could possibly return. Right now her mind's a blank slate."
Flint paled as he listened to Mindbender's words.
"We shall see...I'll let you know her availability to COBRA in a few days," Destro reached for his phone, and dialed. "I want to know how she is....you understand? Liam, show him the door."
"Now see here!" Mindbender resisted his escort.
"NO! COBRA Commander does not have any say in what members of my clan do. You can leave on your own.... OR, I can have you forcefully removed. The choice is yours," Destro sneered.
"I'm going but this isn't over," Mindbender spat, wrenching his arm free of Liam.
Flint's pursuit of him was cut short the moment he heard Destro hit the speakerphone.
"How is she, Ian?"
"She's sleeping, laird. Shall I bring her back to the castle?"
"No...keep her there until further notice. I'll send a detachment to escort her back. Is Margaret watching her?"
"Yes, she said she was sleeping peacefully. The procedure took a lot out of her...she's weak." Ian bit his lower lip.
"She'll be fine...it had to be done. Let her rest, I'll call you later."
Flint scowled, stalking off to find Scarlett.
**********************
"Ailíse?" She lifted her head towards the door.
"Ian...what time is it?" She frowned, adjusting her eyes to the darkened room.
"It's after 8...I thought you might be hungry," he sat on the edge of the bed, tracing the back of his hand along her jaw.
"I'm famished...but I think I'll take a shower first. Please have a tray sent up," she stifled a yawn.
"I thought you might like to have dinner with me. We haven't spent any time alone since the beach," he smiled.
"Let me get a shower and I'll be down." She smiled, pulling her self up. "I'm a disaster."
"You...never...I'll be downstairs. Margaret went back to the castle." He paused in the doorway. "The others are on watch."
*********************
"C'mon Shipwreck.... you heard Flint. He wants us to check out Destro's hunting lodge," Beach Head grumbled at the sailor who was resting his head on the table.
"I don't' see why he'd send her somewhere on his estate when he's got that castle," Shipwreck raised his head, rubbing his eyes. "He's probably got her locked up in a tower."
"Flint's checking the castle with Scarlett...we got the lodge," Beach Head pulled him from the table. "Now, move your sorry ass."
"All right...all right," Shipwreck groaned, pulling on his jacket and watch cap.
***********************
Ailíse came down to dinner an hour later feeling refreshed and dressed in a strapless beige dress with a straight skirt that stopped just above her knees.
"Ian?" She called his name as she stepped off the stairs. Looking around, she noticed a dim light coming from under a door. "Oh...my," she paused in the door, glancing towards a small table near the windows. The room was illuminated in candlelight. Ian was adjusting the stereo.
"You look beautiful," he turned, walking towards her, his eyes drinking her in. "I'm glad Margaret decided to pack that for you. Dinner is ready," he gestured towards the table.
"How did you manage all this?" She paused at the back of her chair.
"I have my ways," he chuckled, pulling out her chair. "Besides, I thought you'd like a break from the castle. A nice quiet evening, just the two of us?" He walked to a small cart lifting their salad plates.
"I guess you do," she smiled, draping her napkin across her lap. She waited for him to be seated. "Ian, why did my Uncle want me to stay here?" She saw hesitation cross his brow for a second.
"He's handling business from the castle and didn't want you to be disturbed," he replied, pouring a goblet of wine for each of them.
"Business?"
"He's in meetings with COBRA..."
"Why does he persist in treating me like a helpless child?" She stabbed a tomato with her fork. "Why?"
"We want to make sure you're safe," Ian reached for her hand. "Please...don't let them ruin this evening," he gently squeezed her hand in his.
"You're right, I'm sorry," she looked down at the table. "You really did go overboard."
"Well, it is not often I get to spend a quiet evening alone with my beautiful fiancée, now is it?" He winked at her, lifting his goblet.
"No, I guess not," she chuckled softly.
*****************
"Beach Head and Shipwreck are headed for the lodge," Flint whispered over his shoulder to Scarlett scrubbing the floor outside Ailíse's chambers.
"Good, did you check the cellars?"
"Nothing there...did you check the storage rooms?" He stepped out of her way.
"Yeah," she rolled her eyes. "Remind me to thank Margaret for this," she groaned, standing up with her bucket. "I'm headed for the maid's area...if Margaret knows something, she may be gloating again. Why don't you check the grenadiers' barracks?"
"Sounds like a plan." He stepped away from her and stopped. "Scarlett?"
"We'll get her back," she nodded. "Go and see what you can find out."
*****************
"That was delicious," she sat back in her chair, looking towards the window. The moonlight trickled across the flagstone patio outside the window.
"That's not all," Ian opened a bottle of champagne, sending the cork flying across the room and bouncing off a vase. Both cringed involuntarily at the sound of the cork ricocheting upwards.
"You know you may want to give that to the lab guys," she suppressed a humorous smirk.
"Huh?"
"They're always looking for new ideas for the latest deadly weapon, aren't they?" She laughed at his confusion.
"I didn't realize I was marrying a comedian," he sighed, pouring two glasses.
"It's my greatest secret," she mused, lifting her glass.
"Not so fast," Ian stopped her. "A toast..."
"A toast?"
"Hmmm," he lifted his glass, moving closer to her. "To you, my luv, may you always know my love for you and never doubt that."
"Ian?"
"Shh.... it's my toast," he watched her drink from her glass. "Dance with me?" He reached for her hand.
"I'd love to," she smiled brightly as she stood. The music slowly drifted through to her subconscious, awaking her memories and the feelings of another private dinner. Feeling slightly disoriented from Mindbender's treatment, the wine, and champagne, she closed her eyes. She recalled being held as she danced to the same music. Lifting her face to Ian, she saw his morph to the other man's. "Ian?" She tensed in his arms.
"Easy, luv," he caressed her cheek, tilting her face towards his. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she shook the thoughts away, snuggling into his embrace.
"Ailíse?" He softly whispered, stroking her hair. She slowly lifted her face, closing her eyes as his lips brushed over hers. Her mind still wrapped up in the memories, she began to respond to his kisses as Ian had guided her to a sofa. She fell back to the sofa with Ian; her hands roaming over his chest. Her mind's eye wasn't seeing Ian, as she tilted her head back. She softly moaned, feeling his hands caressing her skin.
**********************
"Shipwreck...move it," Beach Head hissed over his shoulder, waiting for the sailor to catch up with him.
"You see anything?"
"Shhh...I don't see any grenadiers. You're sure this is the place Flint wanted us to check out?"
"Yeah...it's the only one for miles around...ain't it? He pushed past Beach Head to the corner of the window.
"Checkin' it out...get down 'fore they see you," Beach Head shoved him to the side.
Crouching by the windows, they saw a couple lying on the sofa. "Beach Head, I feel like a peepin' Tom standing here. Come on, let's move back," Shipwreck hissed, watching the man shifting on the sofa. His back was blocking their view; they watched him pushing himself up from the sofa, pulling the woman into his arms.
Shipwreck pulled at Beach Head's arm, "C'mon, she's not here....do you see any Grenadiers?" They watched unable to understand what was being said.
Ian felt her relaxing in his arms. He felt the warmth of her skin beneath his touch. Wanting her more as she responded to his kisses, he groaned. Breaking the kiss, he caressed her cheek. "Ailíse...let me make love to you...tonight." He stammered slightly unsure of himself. She responded by kissing him more deeply, hearing a deep growl as he lifted her into his arms.
"Beach Head, if you want to watch somethin' then rent a porno, will ya? Let's go, this is getting..." Shipwreck was cut off by Beach Head's arm flying to his chest.
"Wait!" He nodded towards the man, carrying the woman. They saw her face as Ian cradled her up to his chest, turning her towards the window for a brief instant.
"Mother of Mercy!" Shipwreck's eyes went wide.
"Let's move. We have to get her out of there before she does something she'll regret," Beach Head backed up, slipping into the shadows. "Shipwreck!"
"You stay here, I'm gonna get Flint and let him know," Shipwreck fumbled for the radio.
"There's no time! We have to get up there now, before 'loverboy' gets his way...now move it sailor!" Beach Head barked.
They quickly figured out her room and climbed the trellis.
"Patrick...look," one of the grenadiers pointed to the Joes climbing.
"You get them...I'll get Ian." He slapped the other grenadier forward while he ran into the lodge.
Shipwreck looked through the window, watching Ian gently lay her on the bed. "The window's cracked," he hissed to Beach Head, still on the trellis.
"Let me make love to you," Ian growled, settling above her. "If you're not ready...I won't rush you," he coaxed, claiming her mouth with his. Her arms wrapped around his neck as he deepened the kiss.
"SHIT!" Shipwreck rolled his eyes heavenward, watching Ian slowly roll her onto her side, unzipping her dress. Ian was nibbling her shoulder while his hand gently pushed her skirt up. He held his breath as Ian removed his hand, slowly peeling the dress down.
"Beach Head...get your six up here.... he's not going to stop," Shipwreck wiped the back of his neck with his cap. "Let's get her... Beach Head...Beach Head?" Shipwreck turned to see grenadiers below, motioning them to come down.
"Lady Ailíse...Lady...oh...excuse me," Patrick rushed into the room, pausing at the sight before him. Ian pulled her close to him, rolling to the side of the bed to block her.
"PATRICK!" Ian roared, "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE!"
"I can't," he gulped, averting his eyes from the bed.
"What in the hell has come over you...charging into my room unannounced?" Ailíse growled, reaching for her discarded dress.
"We have visitors, milady." Patrick pointed to the window, tossing her a robe from her chair.
"Ian?" She watched him stalk towards the window, leaning out with his hands on the sill.
"Get them inside, NOW!" He whipped around to face Patrick. "I'll see you downstairs in a minute." He waited for Patrick to leave before he approached her. "I'll handle them. You get some rest," he leaned down to kiss her.
"NO! They were after me, weren't they?" She fumed, tightening her robe about her waist.
"Ailíse...let me handle them," he pulled her into his arms.
"And what would you have me do, turn a blind eye? Is that what you want me to do?"
"No...I don't want you to worry about them," he sighed heavily.
***********************
"Hey, take it easy, will ya?" Shipwreck stumbled into the parlor behind Beach Head.
"Who are you? What were you doing on the trellis?" Patrick growled, entering the room.
"We got locked out," Shipwreck shrugged.
"YOU!" Patrick grabbed Shipwreck by the lapels on his jacket, shaking him.
"PATRICK!" Ian stalked into the room, pulling him to the side. "Call Liam at the castle," he hissed under his breath before turning to the Joes. "Well, gentlemen, would you care to tell me what you think you were doing outside my..."
"Ian," Ailíse called from the doorway. Everyone paused to look up at her as she entered the room. Shipwreck and Beach Head looked at each other for a second.
"Ailíse, please let me handle this," Ian wrapped his arms around her, leaning his forehead against hers.
"NO! I'm tired of being stalked by the likes of them," she spat, glaring at Shipwreck and Beach Head.
Shipwreck and Beach Head gulped. Watching Ian trying to hold her back, she pushed his arms away from her.
"Who are you? Wait...you're two of the Joes.... Shipwreck and Beach Head. Yes, I remember you from my Uncle's files. What were you doing outside my window?"
"Let us handle them, luv," Ian placed his hands on her shoulders, gently kneading the knots forming in her neck.
"No, I want an answer.... well, you dare try to sneak into my home? What were you after?" She growled, placing her hands on her hips. Shipwreck and Beachhead said nothing for a moment. They were stunned at the venom of her words and tone. They'd known her temper in the past but that was nothing compared to this.
"We... came to get you..." Shipwreck stammered.
"You came to get me? Well, you can't have me. Now, get the hell out of here and tell who ever sent you the same. Who else is with you? Surely you weren't foolish enough to come alone, were you?" She spat just inches from his face. "Who sent you?" She roared.
"Answer Lady Ailíse..." Patrick jostled Beach Head.
Shipwreck and Beach Head stared at each other.
"Why?" She leaned into their eyes. Neither of them answered. "Get them out of here...find out what my uncle wishes to be done with them. I'm going to bed, double the guard and find out what these two are hiding." She commanded walking from the room. Ian chased her out into the hall.
"Get them out of here." He ordered the grenadiers before pulling her to him. "Ailíse?"
"I'm not feeling well...I'm getting another headache," she winced. "I need to lay down," her legs weakened beneath her as she fell into his arms.
"AILISE! Patrick, lock them up!" Ian growled, lifting her up in his arms.
*********************
"Ian, I'm fine. Go and call my uncle, please," she called from her bathroom, wiping a cool cloth over her face. "Ian?"
"I don't think you should stay alone tonight, not after this. There could be others out there," he looked up at her from where he sat on the edge of the bed.
"I can handle myself." She smiled, placing a finger to his lips to silence his protest.
"You know what I mean, stay in my room tonight. I'll take another room after I call your uncle to make arrangements for your return to the castle. You're not safe here, Ailíse. There's no telling who they'll send next."
"All right, if you're sure it's not too much trouble. I'll take your room for the night. You can have mine." She offered him her hand as he stood, walking him to the door. "I'll go there as soon as I finish getting ready for bed...I promise." She went to step back, and felt herself pulled forward into his arms. "Ian?" She laughed.
"I love you...you know that right?"
"Yes," she smiled, tiptoeing up to brush a kiss over his lips. "Go and make your calls." She pushed him into the hall before turning to look out the windows. She spotted two grenadiers below her window, and walked to her closet to change. Dressed in a pale cream silk nightgown, she sat in front of her mirror brushing her hair. She signed, throwing her brush down. "Enough," she stood, reaching for her robe. She slipped her robe on and headed to Ian's room for the night. Her sleep was full of images and dreams of a handsome man with a lopsided grin.
**********************
Ian called Destro to inform him of the Joes...
"Laird...we have visitors," he paced the study, raking his hand through his hair.
"Who?" Destro growled.
"Two Joes...Beach Head and Shipwreck... broke into her room tonight. She was furious.... ordering them locked up until you decide what to do with them. I've never seen her so...." He stammered.
"Ian...how did they get so close? Never mind...have her ready to travel. I want her to return tonight. I'll be in touch as soon I have things arranged." Hanging the phone up, he looked at a picture of Amanda.
********************
"Hey, Beach Head, look what's showed up?" Shipwreck nodded towards Ian.
"Well, it's the main man, isn't it? Do you really think you'd get her if she knew what a coward you really are, yahoo?" Beach Head sneered.
"You'd be wise to keep quiet," Ian spat back.
"Wait till her boyfriend catches on to you.... he'll kick your miserable ass. He's a real man," Beach Head hissed.
"A real man protects his woman," Ian countered.
"Tell me, does Destro know you're trying to get some?" Shipwreck smirked.
"Keep it up...you're days are numbered." Ian fumed, walking away.
"Wait till Destro hears how you let security lapse. Caught with your pants down," Shipwreck laughed at his back.
*******************
Ian carefully opened the door, looking towards the bed where she slept.
He sat on the edge of the bed, gently lifting the book from her hands. She turned; slightly parting the robe she wore, revealing the lace over the bodice of her nightgown. He found his hands lifting her in his arms, peeling the robe away from her to make her more comfortable. He kissed her as her face turned up towards him.
"What do you think you're doing? Put her down right now" Destro loomed in the doorway. "I ordered you to stay out of her room at night, didn't I?"
"Ian, what's going on?" She whispered, her eyes unable to open.
"Shhh, nothing, luv, go back to sleep" he tucked the covers around her.
"Ian, I will see you downstairs!" Destro growled, placing his hand on his shoulder.
*****************
"Explain to me how two Joe's got in!" Destro grabbed Patrick by his uniform.
"The night watch spotted them at the window...I thought she was with Ian downstairs when I came rushing in the room," he sputtered, looking from Destro to Ian. "I tried to find Ian but he wasn't around..."
"Really...where was Ian?"
"I found him in the lady's room. They were...."
"What were they doing?" Destro's eyes narrowed on Ian.
"They were...ah...ah..." Patrick gulped, looking towards Ian.
"I see," Destro clenched his fist. "What did I tell you about staying away from her?" He growled, grabbing Ian by the collar. "What did I say?"
"We just got carried away...we didn't," Ian brought his arms up deflecting Destro's grip.
"I'll deal with you later," Destro snapped at him. "Where are the Joes?"
*******************
Shipwreck gulped as Destro stormed into the room.
"Who else is with you?" He pulled Shipwreck from his chair, shaking him.
"No one," Shipwreck snapped.
"I'm warning you, who else is out there? Is Flint waiting?" Destro yelled more enraged.
"They're searching other places," Beach Head snarled. "Put him down, Metal Head, what the hell's the matter with you...you ought be bashing loverboy over there around...he was..."
"Really, and what was he doing?" Destro sneered, shifting his eyes from the two Joes to Ian.
"He was all over her when we found her like a...." Shipwrecks words were cut off by Destro's laughter.
"What the hell's so funny?" Beach Head sneered.
"I'll leave that to you to figure out...Patrick, ready them for transport." Destro walked off with Ian following.
"If I were you, I'd keep my mouth shut. He's not the first guy before a handfasting," Patrick scowled.
Beach Head and Shipwreck looked at each other.
