Forbidden Touch

Epilogue

Five months later

"Naughty man!" Iris's breath was hot in Maddox^'s ear as he hustled toward the bride's room.

"Isn't that why you married me, sugar?" He nuzzled the nape of her neck. She made a low moaning sound that shot straight to his groin.

"What if someone comes looking for us?" As they reached the bride's room door, she turned in his arms and lifted her face to him.

He pushed her back against the door and kissed her hard and deep. She wound her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, matching his passion with fire of her own.

He reached around her, fumbling for the doorknob. His hand closed around the cool metal and gave it a quick twist, clutching her waist to keep from falling inside the room as the door swung open. She pulled him into the room with her, her tongue warm and urgent against his.

"I see congratulations are in order."

Iris stumbled, clutching Maddox to keep from falling. They broke away from each other and turned to look at the man lounging on a dainty bench in front of the bride's vanity on the far side of the room.

"Quinn." Maddox growled, not believing his eyes.

"I realize it's customary to bring a gift." Alexander Quinn rose, his movements controlled and unhurried. "I suppose I've done that, though I'm not sure you'll like it"

Iris glanced at Maddox, no doubt gauging his emotions to see if she should intervene. He tamped down his growing irritation and released a long sigh. "You obviously came here to tell us something. So get on with it. We've got a honeymoon to start."

"Al-Adar is out to avenge Mahrnoud's death."

Maddox felt his blood go cold. "What?"

He felt Iris's hand on his arm. He closed his hand over hers, grateful for her calming touch.

"You could have just called with that information." Iris said to Quinn. "What else do you want from us?"

Quinn smiled at Iris, the expression as close to genuine as Maddox had ever seen from the CIA agent. "You look beautiful. Mrs. Heller. Best wishes for a long and happy life." His gaze hardened as he turned it toward Maddox. "To both of you."

"Meaning?"

"You're a wealthy man, Heller. That's a plus when you have a target on your back." Quinn moved slowly past them toward the door before turning to look back at them. "The government can't protect individuals. Not efficiently. And there are jobs they can't-or won't-do. It occurs to me that this world could use people who can-and will- do those jobs"

He left the room, closing the door behind him.

Iris looked up at Maddox, her grip tightening on his arm "He's right. The world could use people like that."

Maddox closed his fingers over hers, more aware than ever before just how much he loved her.

"I know." he said,

"So what are you going to do?" she asked.

"You in the mood to save the world, baby?" he asked.

A smile curved her lips. "I thought you'd never ask."