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KATE AND MONTANA stepped through the front door of the dress shop and slid into the waiting limousine. Their new clothes had been packed into designer luggage and stored in the trunk of the car. They would take the long way around the city, be dropped off at the airport and later picked up by Mica Brantleys car.
Montana opened the case Tazer had given him and extracted their orders and a dossier detailing who they were supposed to be, how theyd met Mica and her husband and why they were visiting her at the Jefferson.
Mica and Trevor introduced us to each other in Paris. Kate turned to Montana. Have you been to Paris?
His lips twisted. I might prefer Montana to the big cities, but yes, Ive been to Paris. How about you?
She nodded. Her partner had taken her to Paris over a long weekend between assignments. Little had she known he had used their weekend away as an opportunity to pass information to his Russian contact. God, shed been a fool, thinking he was in love with her and out getting little French pastries for their breakfasts. All along, hed been working.
Hey. Montana touched a finger to her chin. Were supposed to be newlyweds. No long faces.
Sorry. She read through the pages, committing the words to memory. Ive got this. Do you need to see it again?
No.
It says to shred the documents. Kate glanced around the inside of the limousine. It didnt surprise her to find a shredder. One last glance at the pages and she pushed them through the device.
Montana extracted a ring box from the case and opened it. Hold out your left hand.
Kate did as he asked.
With this ring, I thee fake wed. I promise to have your six and pretend to love, honor and cherish you until this op is over. Montana slipped on the engagement ring with the huge emerald cut diamond and matching wedding band.
Kate snorted. Cute. His big hands felt rough against hers, but warm and strong. She could imagine them sliding across her bare skin. With a start, she yanked her hand away. Now was not the time to be daydreaming about the man who would play her husband. God, I hope this isnt real. It looks like at least three carats.
He removed the larger, plain wedding band from the box and started to slip it onto his ring finger.
Wait. Kate took the band from him. Its only fair.
Montanas lips quirked. Ive never been accused of being unfair.
Well, dont start now, she said. With this ring, I thee fake wed. I promise to save your butt, should the need arise...again. And should you try anything without my permission, I promise to hurt you. Kate raised her brows. Got it?
He held up his hand. Got it. I wont try anything without your permission. As Kate took his upraised hand and slipped the ring onto his finger, Montana muttered, I dont try...I do.
Kate glared at him. This marriage is fake. Dont forget that.
Trust me. I wont. Montana leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers in a brief brush of a kiss.
A blast of electricity ripped through Kate, followed by heat, searing a path through her chest and down low in her belly. She pressed her fingers to her lips. Why did you do that?
Only seemed fitting, after tying the knot. He winked, sending another rush of heat rushing through her veins. Want me to take it back?
She rubbed the back of her hand over her mouth, her head spinning. You cant take something like that back. Once given, it cant be returned.
Oh well, I guess youll have to keep it. He smiled and sat back against the plush leather seat.
Well, dont do it again. Thankfully, the car pulled up to the curb at the Baltimore International Airport and dropped them off with their luggage.
Two minutes later, Mica Brantleys limousine arrived, picked them up and drove them back into the city.
Once theyd switched chauffeur-driven vehicles, Kate remained silent, going over the script Tazer had given them. Not only did she have to know the details about the fictitious Lindemanns, she had to be prepared to step into Mica Brantleys shoes at a moments notice. She had to know Micas idiosyncrasies, which would be much harder to pull off if they ran into anyone who knew her and Trevor Brantley.
Over an hour since theyd left the shops, the limousine pulled up in front of the Jefferson Hotel, one of the oldest and most expensive hotels in downtown DC. Once Monty and Kayla Lindemann got settled, they were to meet Mrs. Brantley for dinner.
The chauffeur opened the door.
Montana slid out first and then bent to offer his hand to Kate.
Reluctantly, she placed her fingers against his. That same shock of electricity rippled up her arm and showered warmth throughout her body. He had her so stirred up inside, she tripped over the curb.
If Montana hadnt reached out and yanked her into his arms, smashing her against his chest, shed have fallen face-first on the concrete sidewalk.
Instead, she was crushed to him, his arms like steel bands around her waist. When she got her feet under her, heat rose up her cheeks. Sorry.
He leaned close and whispered in her ear, Im not. Then he hooked her with one of his big, capable hands and waved toward the door. Ready?
She nodded, though she couldnt remember ever being so ill-prepared as she was at that moment. What worried her most was that she had no doubt she could play the part required. Keeping her head on straight and not falling even a little bit for the handsome SEAL would be the real challenge.
While the bellman retrieved their luggage, Montana dealt with the reception desk. Royce and Geek had been busy securing reservations, backdating them to make it appear as though Mr. and Mrs. Lindemann had planned their trip to DC weeks ago.
Kate took a moment to casually glance around the lobby, searching for anything that stood out. Suspicious characters, security cameras, lurking staff members...anything that might set off alarm bells in her head.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, nothing did. She spotted the requisite security cameras placed throughout the lobby for the protection of the wealthy guests.
A warm, rough hand curled around her elbow. Ready? Montanas deep, rich voice filled her ear and spread over her body like melted butterwarm, smooth and penetrating every fiber of her being. She trembled.
How did he do that?
With a nod, she let him lead her through the lobby to the elevator.
Montana pushed the button for the seventh floor and then slipped his arm around her waist. Feeling better?
I wasnt aware I was feeling poorly.
You know...you dont have a stomach for flying. He pulled her against him.
Oh, yes. I feel much better. Aware of the camera in the upper right corner, she leaned into Montana. The thin fabric of her suit did little to guard her against her bodys reaction to his.
The elevator door slid open. Kate stepped out, afraid if she stayed any longer, her knees would wobble and refuse to hold her up.
Their room was the last door near the end of the hallway. A stairwell was located at the very end, marked with a sign For Emergency Use Only.
Montana ran the key card over the lock and the green light blinked. When he pushed, the door swung open on oiled hinges.
Kate entered first. Expertly decorated, the suite contained a sitting room, sleeping chamber and a large bathroom with a shower big enough to fit two.