Holding Out For A Hero: SEALs, Soldiers, Spies, Cops, FBI Agents and Rangers (135 page)

He pulled away and looked down at her startled eyes. "We'd better get going."

Her look of dismay at the brusque comment sent a pang of guilt through him. He pulled her coat together and started doing up the buttons, but she batted his hands away as she stepped out of his reach, resolutely keeping her eyes turned away.

He followed her out into the brisk night air. The restaurant they had chosen, called the Pianoforte, was a favourite haunt of many of her associates. It would be the perfect place to 'pop the question'. With luck, they might even run into Vendetti himself, since he often dined there.

Luck proved to be with them.

The mâitre d' seated them at a table right beside a decorative marble fountain, the delicate trickle lending a romantic mood. A pianist sat at a baby grand playing dinner music.

Angel leaned toward Frank and whispered, "Vendetti's here. By the fireplace."

Frank picked up his menu and glanced over as though to admire the large stone fireplace on the opposite wall, and in his peripheral vision, picked out the elderly man sitting with two other men. Vendetti had sharp hawk-like eyes that seemed to pierce the composure of the man he was speaking to. He definitely had a natural aura of command. As Frank had noticed in the photographs he'd seen, his looks contrasted with what one would expect from a fierce underworld figure. His full head of grey hair, neatly combed sideways and back, along with his cleanly defined features, gave him a distinguished appearance that belied the dirty side of his operation.

Frank turned back to Angel as their waiter arrived and they ordered dinner and a bottle of champagne. Frank made a show of holding Angel's hand all through dinner. When dessert and coffee arrived, he held her hand in both of his and gazed straight into her eyes.

"This is it, Angel. The moment you've been waiting for." He glanced around to ensure no one was in hearing distance. "Will you marry me? Until the-end-of-our-assignment do us part?"

She giggled. "Oh, Frank. You're so romantic."

"Angel, do you really think it's appropriate to giggle when a man proposes to you?"

"Well, it is if I've had more than one glass of champagne. The stuff makes me a bit giddy."

He grinned. "Maybe I should feed you champagne more often."
And bring you flowers
. He rather liked her like this, a delicate flush to her cheeks, her mouth turned up at the sides in an effervescent smile, and her eyes shining brightly. He brought her hand to his lips and brushed across her knuckles. She giggled again.

"That tickles, Frank."

He turned her hand over to caress her palm with his thumb. "That, too, Angel?"

"No, that doesn't tickle, exactly."

He could see in the darkening of her eyes—from milk chocolate to semi-sweet—exactly what it did do to her. He pulled a solitaire diamond ring from his pocket and slipped it onto her finger.

She tugged her hand out of his grasp and held it up, wiggling her fingers. She seemed mesmerized by the diamond sparkling in the candlelight.

"Oh, Frank. It's lovely."

"So are you, Angel."

Her gaze found his, her eyes dark and compelling. He found himself wishing this were a real proposal. The way she looked at him, he was sure he could take her back to her place and start their honeymoon tonight with very little persuasion. It was clear she wanted him. And, dear Lord, he wanted her.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he never heard the words she meant to say. Her eyes flicked up to a point over his right shoulder.

"Carlos. How are you?" she murmured, her voice thick and throaty. She coughed and took a gulp from her champagne glass.

Frank looked around as Carlos Vendetti came to stand by their table.

"Angela, how lovely you look tonight." His sharp gaze landed on Frank. "So, this must be the young man who's been taking so much of your time." He turned his gaze back to Angel. "And I had always rather hoped Dino would be the one to win your heart."

Hearing a grunt behind him, Frank swiveled around to see Dino standing a couple of feet behind Vendetti.

"Now, now, Dino. Don't be a sore loser," Vendetti said. His gaze shifted to the champagne then back to Angel. "It looks like you're celebrating something. Am I being too inquisitive if I ask what?"

Angel smiled prettily and shook her head, sending tendrils of hair spraying across her shoulder.

"No, it's quite all right, Carlos." She sent a loving look at Frank. A look that froze Frank in his spot.

Suddenly, a wild longing to have Angel look at him like that for real gripped him. He fervently wanted to believe she was as innocent as she appeared. Because then… then it might just be possible to have a future with an Angel.

"Frank just asked me to marry him. And I said yes."

Vendetti's eyebrows rose. "I offer my sincerest congratulations." He smiled broadly and shook Frank's hand. "So now you'll be stealing my girl's time planning her large wedding. Italian weddings are quite an affair, you know."

"Not really, Carlos," Angel replied, smoothing her napkin on her lap. "You see we plan on a wedding very soon and…well, there won't be time for anything very big."

His sharp gaze landed on Frank again. "I see." He glanced back at Angel. "I can't help wondering, why the hurry? Will you be requiring an extended leave…in seven or eight months?"

"Carlos! We've only been seeing each other for two weeks," Angel cried.

Frank's teeth clenched as he saw Angel's face flush darkly and he barely stopped himself from rising to his feet and clobbering the guy.

"Of course. Forgive my bluntness. But why the rush?"

Frank forced himself to relax. He stared at Angel's blushing face and smiled affectionately. "Because I can't wait. I've been in love with Angel forever." He glanced back at Vendetti, matching those keen eyes with his own directness. "We've known each other since we were kids."

"Yes, Angel told me." Vendetti turned affectionate eyes on Angel. "Well, I can certainly understand your impatience. I would not want to wait, either, were I in your place. Enjoy your evening." He leaned over to kiss Angel's cheek. "I'll see you in the morning."

How could Angel allow the scumbag to touch her like that?

Vendetti turned and strode away. Dino sent them a scowl before turning to follow.

Frank ignored Dino and watched the silver-haired Vendetti as he crossed the restaurant. His bearing was that of a kindly older gentleman, elegant and schooled in old-world charm. Frank had to remind himself that Vendetti's charm was only a thin veneer. Knowing the business the man was involved in, and the violence he was responsible for, sent chills through Frank. Appearances certainly were deceptive.

As he glanced back to Angel, her innocent appearance no longer seemed so appealing. Had she started to fool him into believing she might be what she appeared? Fool being the operative word.

Anger flared within him like a flame igniting on kindling as he realized the damn woman had dragged him into the fantasy again.

"Finish your dessert, Angel. I think we should be going."

Angel's gaze darted to Frank. He knew she was wondering at the sudden change in him. They ate the rest of their meal in silence. After he paid the bill, Frank helped Angel into her coat and they stepped from the quiet ambiance of the restaurant to the hustle and bustle of the busy street, allowing him to further avoid conversation with Angel. Frank flagged down a cab. Once they'd slipped into the back seat, it was impossible to ignore the questions in her too-big eyes.

She reached out tentatively and touched his hand, as though she feared he might pull away, then slipped her hand under his fingers. He relented and curled his fingers around hers.

"It really bothered you meeting Carlos, didn't it, Frank?" she murmured, too low for the driver to hear.

Is that what she thought? That he'd been intimidated by her boss?

"I guess." His tone made it clear he didn't want to discuss it further.

She snuggled close to his body and rested her head against his arm.

What the hell was wrong with him?
Here was a beautiful woman, one he was attracted to in a big way, close and warm against him. So she was an informant? Nothing had changed since yesterday. Just because he'd gone a bit soft headed over the past hour, didn't mean he had to be immune to her. He'd just make sure he kept the situation in perspective. He'd keep reminding himself that with Angel he'd be a hit-and-run victim, not a companion, during the long drive of life.

He had to keep the fact that he was here on a case firmly entrenched in his mind. Now that she'd started to thaw toward him, he had to grab the opportunity to gain her trust.

She'd been staring at their intertwined fingers but when she glanced up and saw him staring at her she smiled. He allowed his mouth to curl up in response and he slid his arm around her. She settled her body more closely against him. Feeling her breasts pressed against his side made his body swell in response. And that's all it was, he convinced himself, a physical response to a desirable woman.

"I'm sorry, Angel. I didn't mean to spoil our evening."

"You didn't spoil it," she said softly, then smiled sweetly. "It has been going well though, hasn't it?"

He slid his hand up to her face and stroked her cheek.

"Very."

Their gazes joined and Frank watched her tongue trail over her lips as though in anticipation of a kiss. Before he could act on his instincts, the cab pulled up to the curb and stopped.

"We're here, folks," the cabby informed them.

Frank pulled out his wallet and paid the fare, then went to open Angel's door and help her out. As they walked to her door, she entangled her hand with his once again. She fished her key out of her purse and unlocked the door. Then she turned back to him.

Leaning against the door, she gave him the most seductive smile he'd ever seen and asked, "Do you want to come in for a drink?"

Her throaty voice matched her smile in invitation.

In Too Deep: Chapter Six

She knew playing with fire could mean getting burned but she couldn't help herself. She didn't want the evening to end yet. Frank had been so warm and affectionate, reminding her of how it had been when they'd first met. The time had passed so easily between them. The way he'd touched her tonight, first when he'd picked her up, then during the meal, had kept her body in a heated state.

The problem was, she knew it wasn't just physical desire. She wanted him as much as he wanted her. He said he loved her. The problem was, she was starting to believe him. She was starting to crave things she'd never craved before. Like a home and a man to share it with. But not just any man. Frank.

He reached out and stroked her hair. Then he released the barrette that held her wild curls secure. His fingers tangled in her hair and he arranged it around her face and shoulders.

"That's better. I love your hair down."

"I…" The slow burn of longing in his eyes frightened her a little. If she were to release the volcanic need between them, would she be consumed by the flame? "About that drink…"

"Having second thoughts, Angel?" His voice was a soft whisper. As he spoke, he trailed his hands down her arms. "Be very sure of what you want. If you invite me in, I'll take it that you're releasing me from that promise. You know what will happen then."

She hadn't meant to sound uncertain, had simply wanted to confirm the invitation, but now she hesitated.

"Having trouble deciding?"

He slipped his hand behind her head and brought his lips down on hers. At the gentleness of his touch, she melted against him. His arm curled around her waist. The light-headedness from the champagne, combined with the giddiness she felt from being in his arms, made her head spin. She slipped her arms around his neck and clung to him. He tightened his arms, telling her he wouldn't let her fall. His tongue pressed against her lips, invading, pushing them open, and the sweetness of that invasion made her moan into his mouth. He pulled her body more snugly against his and ran his hands up and down her back, as though he couldn't touch her enough. Could anything that felt this good be wrong?

When she felt his hand slip around to cup her breast, then squeeze, she gasped. Things were moving too fast, getting out of control. She struggled to put some distance between them and Frank released her.

"Too much, Angel?"

"I…" Her voice came out husky and raw. She cleared her throat and tried again. "Frank, I…"

"Never mind. Let's just say it's better for both of us if I go home right now."

His lips zoomed down on hers for one last kiss, then he walked away. Her hand fluttered to her mouth, covering her lips as if to hang on to that last burning touch. She watched him stride along her front path, then down the street, until he disappeared from view.

* * *

What the hell was that all about?
She'd
been
there for the taking. If he'd moved slowly instead of grabbing her like an impatient kid, he'd probably be in her bed right now, her naked body writhing in pleasure beneath his own. But, damn it, something inside wouldn't allow him to take what she'd offered. She'd wanted him as much as he'd wanted her. So what the hell was the problem?

The problem, you fool, is that she believes you love her.
And somehow he couldn't bring himself to make love to her under false pretenses. She may be a traitor, his conscious mind told him, but that doesn't make it right to use her. Of course that was the reason. With that he called himself noble and whistled as he tried to walk off his physical frustration, totally ignoring the smaller, subconscious voice that told him the real reason was that maybe he was starting to believe she really wasn't a traitor.

* * *

Frank picked Angel up from work the next day and took her to the little diner where they'd had coffee, deciding that being alone with her was not a good idea. Doubts about her guilt had curled through him all night, like smoke from a fire, clouding his judgment. While near Angel, he needed a strong shield around his heart to stop from getting hurt. Again. Unfortunately, the best one he'd had—a clear belief that she was a traitor—had started to crumble.