Page 91 of Hot & Heavy

"Tell her I will be glad when this mission is over."

Madrene's eyes shot to Ian. Does he really mean that? Will he be happy when I am gone? I do not care. I should not care. Why does it hurt so much? "Tell him I will be out of here the instant the terrorists are caught."

Ian looked directly at her, too. He seemed hurt, as well, but only for an instant. Then he reverted to his usual crude self. "Tell her that her nipples are showing."

Cage made a choking sound.

"Tell him that his manpart is not all that impressive."

"Enough already!" Ian stood, almost knocking all of his documents to the floor. "While this is great entertainment, we have business to take care of here."

"Agreed," Cage said.

They both looked at Maddie.

She nodded her agreement, reluctantly. Madrene had never been one to stop in the middle of an argument, and it rankled her to do so now.

"The tangos are in town," Ian announced as he sat back down.

Everyone grew silent at that news. It had been expected, of course. But now the dangerous part of the mission would start.

"How many?" Cage asked.

"Not sure. At least a dozen. Our informant tells us they're alternately skeptical that Maddie knows anything and outraged that a mere woman might reveal their secrets."

"How do they know I am here?" she asked.

For once, Ian talked to her directly. "That dirtbag Dan Sullivan took a picture of us together at our so-called wedding in Baghdad. Putting two and two together, they figured the U.S. government and its Navy have you under lock and SEAL."

"Can I see the picture?" From Ian's and Cage's startled looks, she could tell her question was odd, considering the more important information he'd relayed. She didn't care what they thought. Lifting her chin, she stared them both down.

"What's the plan?" Cage asked.

"First of all, more guards. I need to go into the base every day, to give the impression of normality. Once we get some intel on where they are and put some shadows on them… then we may or may not take her outside to draw them out for a showdown."

"Why can't we do it right away, and get this over with?"

Ian stiffened as if she'd just slapped him. "Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm as anxious to have you out of here as you are to leave."

Madrene felt as if a fist had just clenched her heart. That wasn't at all what she'd meant. But what did she say? "The instant this is over, I will be gone."

"Good riddance."

They glared at each other. Ian looked as angry as she felt.

"Let me ask you a question," she said.

"Be my guest."

"I have asked you and I ask you again: When this is over, would you lead a small army to my homeland to recapture Norstead?"

"You are crazy!"

"And you wonder why I will not lie with you anymore."

"Who asked you to?"

She growled.