Disclaimer
The characters in the story are a product of my own imagination and hopefully have no resemblance to any living persons. But if it does it is entirely coincidental. Some of the places mentioned are either fictitious and or adapted to suit the plot of the story.
Sex: This story contains sexual content of a graphic nature between consenting adult women, thus if you are not 18 years old and not allowed to read content of this nature, please move on to other suitable stories.
Archiving : This work is copy written and should not be posted anywhere else without the writer's expressed permission.
Feedback: Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated, so feel free to drop a line or two at steinwillard80@gmail.com or sent me a friend request on Facebook .
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PART 3
Washington, DC
Aware of the eyes on her, Manu made her way over the bar. She was glad to see there was a large mirror reflecting the whole interior. The bartender came over and she ordered a glass of bourbon. While waiting for her drink, she used the mirror to scan the faces in the bar. It has been a while since she'd visited a lesbian bar.
“Here you go.” The bartender placed her drink before her. Manu reached for the wallet and took out a hundred.
“Keep them coming.” She took a sip and savoured the taste as it hit her tongue and the back of her throat. She lifted her eyes and caught a few pairs of eyes hastily looking away. She lowered her head and allowed a small smile to play at her lips. It was very flattering to know that she could still turn heads. Since she'd left Logan's place three days ago, she was still trying to work her way around the break-up. Even after all the lies and cheating, she was still deeply in love with Logan.
Logan was, after all, not the only one who kept secrets. Cheating was nothing compared to hiding a life of killing. She blew out a breath. Maybe she should make peace with the fact that they are over. How was a relationship going to survive something like this?
Out of the corner of her eye she saw someone slid into the stool next to her. The person didn't speak, but just sat there for a long moment.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”
Manu nodded. “You said it was urgent.”
“Uh…yes…it kind of is?”
Manu lifted the glass and drained it, before turning to face the woman. Logan looked stunning. She must've come here directly from some business function, for she was still dressed in those sexy business suits Manu loved so much. She could see the other women almost salivate at the sight of the tall, gorgeous blonde.
“You look good.” She saw a faint blush color Logan's cheeks.
“Thank you. You look good too.” Logan signalled the bartender. “Two bourbons, please?”
The bartender looked at Manu who nodded. When the bartender had left she looked at Logan.
“Why did you want to see me, Logan?”
The bartender returned at that moment and Logan quickly reached for her drink. She nodded at the bartender and took a huge gulp. Manu watched her, studying her carefully. Logan seemed nervous.
“I miss you,” Logan said quickly and drained her glass with a second gulp. Manu quickly reached for her glass when she saw Logan eyeing it.
She wasn't sure she heard Logan right, but if she really heard correctly, she'd want Logan to repeat it while she was still sober.
“Could you say that again, Logan?”
The blue eyes looked uncertain when they met hers. For a moment Manu thought that Logan was going to run, but the blonde straightened her shoulders. A look of pure determination came into the blue eyes.
“I miss you, Manu, and I want to ask you if you would like to try again,” Logan said in a firm voice.
Manu couldn't help but feel admiration for the blonde. Logan was not someone who liked to apologise. She had too much power at her fingertips to waste her time with apologies and insignificant little feelings of guilt for stepping on people toes. The woman was a bulldozer and was growing even more powerful every day. For Logan to admit that she actually needed anyone was an extraordinary feat for the stoic woman.
As it finally sunk in what Logan had said, her chest was suddenly infused with warmth. Logan had actually called her and asked her to meet here…the woman who could have any woman or man she wanted—wanted her. A niggling thought in the back of mind suddenly burst to the surface, inhibiting her joy. What did Logan actually mean by that? Was she missing her because of the sex or was there another reason that Manu didn't know of.
“I heard what you said, Logan, but I'm not sure I understand what it means.” She held Logan's eyes. She didn't want to miss anything the woman said or left unsaid.
Logan took a deep breath. “I'm saying that I love you and that I want us to try again.”
Manu could simply stare at Logan .Twice, in the space of less than five minutes, Logan had opened herself up. Logan was really shattering her own record here, Manu thought absently. But Logan had told her that she loved her more times than she could remember over the past two years. Yet she still went to the dungeon to be serviced and on rare occasions still took strange women to hotel rooms for sex. She needed to know that things would be different from here onwards. She wanted a normal life as soon as she had cleaned out the agency. She wanted to meet her lover at the door after the end of the work day and not have to smell of a different shampoo or body wash than the one she'd used the morning. She craved a really normal life.
“I love you too, Logan, and I always will.”
“But?” Logan's sharp eyes moved over her face.
“We can't go back to where we were. I would rather know that we broke up while I still loved you than live with you and not know how I feel about you anymore.” Manu took a sip from her drink and signalled the bartender to bring Logan another. “I'm not sure if you get what I'm trying to say.”
Logan's eyes were dark as she nodded. “I do. You want things to change.” Logan pushed her fingers through her hair leaving the shiny locks slightly mussed. “You want the cheating to stop?”
“Not only that. I want to retire.”
Logan's eyes widened slightly. “Will they let you go?”
“They have no choice, because when I find out who tried to set me up and used you as bait, the agency will be no more.” She kept her voice even, but Manu could see that Logan had caught the meaning behind her words. There will be death and destruction before she retired.
Logan reached for the drink that the bartender placed before her and took a huge gulp. For a few moments they sat in silence, taking in the music coming from the jukebox in the corner. Logan was the first to break the silence. Her gaze was fixed on the glass in her hand.
“That night when…when that woman tried to kill me, I made you a promise. I called a psychologist.” She took a sip from her drink. “I had my first appointment today over lunch. It's still the early, but I'm going to keep my promise to you.” Logan looked at her and smiled weakly. “I told her that it was going to be especially difficult for me, because I had an astonishingly gorgeous girlfriend.” There was a pleading look in Logan's eyes.
Manu felt a breath catch in her chest. She had forgotten how sweet Logan could be. Even in this state of complete vulnerability, Manu could still see the power shimmering under the surface. Logan was determined to win her back and Manu wasn't going to fool herself anymore. The blonde had done just that.
“Have I told you that I love you?” This time it was Logan who stared at her with a look of such delight on her face. “We still have to talk though. It would be immature of us to believe that you are not affected by my profession and what it entails. I want to help you through this.”
Logan reached into her pocket and took out a small box. Manu was intrigued. When she looked up into Logan's eyes, she almost burst out in tears at the tenderness she saw there.
“Some might think that it must be extremely unromantic to give this to you here, but no matter how long I live, I doubt a more appropriate time will come.” A tear slipped down Logan's cheek. “You see, I had this ring for so long and every time I tried to wait for the right opportunity. I almost completely lost my chance. I love you, Emmanuelle Mistral. This ring is a promise that there will never be another woman for me besides you. It is also my promise that I will do everything in my power to be the woman you deserve to be with.” Logan reached up and wiped her eyes. “I've hurt you so much in the past with my infidelity and neglect that it would be so selfish of me to want you to believe me when I say I want to change and I will. Please…please, take this ring and keep it with you. I don't need an answer now, but I'll have my answer when you know I've changed and am worthy of you. I'll know because I'll see you wear my ring. I love you with all my heart.”
Manu watched as Logan reached for her glass with a shaky hand and brought it to her lips. With eyes filled with tears, she caressed Logan's face as the blonde swallowed repeatedly to fight back her own tears. She took the box, opened it and slipped the delicate gold band over her finger. When she looked up, it was to find Logan looking at her, tears streaming down her face. Manu wanted to be someplace else at that moment, somewhere she could hold this woman to her heart and tell her over and over again how much she loved her.
“Take me home, Logan.”
The blonde drained her glass, but before they could move, a bottle of champagne appeared before them. Surprised they looked at bartender who stood looking at them with tears in her eyes.
“Congratulations. Take this with you. It's on the house.”
Logan smiled through her tears and grabbed the bottle by the neck. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you, for making this one of the best nights for me. I think I'll call my wife now.” The bartender walked away.
Manu smiled at Logan. “Ready?”
Logan took her hand. “Always.”
As they walked to the door, hand in hand, Manu was still dazed by what had happened. An hour ago she had walked in here, defeated and hurt only to leave here on a cloud. She squeezed Logan's hand and her fiancée gifted her with a brilliant smile.
+++
Logan wrinkled her nose when she opened the door to their townhouse. The air smelled stuffy. She had locked up the place two days ago and told the housekeeper that she would call her when she was home again and moved into a hotel. This place was not a home without Manu. Now that she had her love back in her life, she was ready to create new memories here.
She reached for the light switch, but Manu gently pulled her back. “Let me go in first.”
Manu reached under her jacket and Logan's eyes widened at the gun that appeared in her lover's hand. She immediately stepped closer to Manu. The brunette signalled for her to lay flat on the floor as she walked deeper into the foyer to the hallway table where she rummaged through the drawer. She came back and Logan heard a soft click. Manu had a flashlight trained on the light switch. After having studied the switch for a few moments, she held out her hand to Logan.
“I think we should go to my hotel room for tonight. Call Andrea to make sure she stays away from here until we move back.”
Manu's voice was calm, but Logan couldn't help but feel panicky. There was really someone out there who wanted them dead. The thought was so scary that she could feel herself begin to shake. Manu pulled her closer.
“I will not let anything happen to you, baby.” Manu gave her a tight squeeze. “We have to leave now. I'm sure you've been followed. That's why they knew when to come and rig the house. I have someone who will clean it up for us.”
Logan was in a daze as Manu pulled the door close and locked it again. They briskly walked back to the car. Manu slid into the driver's seat. She calmly pulled out of the parking bay and drove down the street, her eyes constantly straying to the mirror. Logan saw Manu's face hardened suddenly.
“Bloody amateurs,” she mumbled under her breath. “Just as I thought. We are being followed.”
Logan sat in silence, her hands folded in her lap. Manu threw a worried glance at her.
“It will be okay, I promise.” A small smile appeared on her lips. “Please don't ask for the ring back.”
That shook Logan out of her funk. “Don't count on it. You're stuck with me.”
Manu gave her a lingering look. “I wouldn't want it any other way, my love. I will have to do some hard driving, but would you put your hand on my thigh. I need to have a physical link with you.”
Logan closed her eyes at hearing those words, before complying. She was so hooked on this woman, completely hooked. Manu put her hand over hers for a long moment.
“I will not let anything happen to you, but I need you to do everything I tell you to, okay.”
“I will.” Logan looked at Manu's profile. It will take getting used to seeing her usually docile girlfriend in this Killer Babe mode. She must admit that as scary as the whole situation was, it was unbelievably thrilling to see Manu like this.
“You…you're very sexy when you get like this.” Logan blinked wondering what had caused her to say it out loud. A soft throaty chuckle sounded that made her skin break out in goose bumps.
“And to think that I am yours and yours alone to do with as you please.”
Logan felt heat explode in her stomach at hearing that. Manu turned to look at her with a look of desire on her face. “You will be so bad for my therapy.”
“I know, but we will get through it.” Manu gave her hand a light squeeze. “Now I want you to hold on. Talking to you got me all hot and bothered, and I want to shake our tail so we could go and celebrate our engagement.”
Logan's grin was huge as she held on. This version of Manu was extremely appealing. She even liked the way she talked. She glanced in the side mirror, but saw nothing out of the ordinary. She really prayed that they could get rid of whoever was following them. She was incredibly turned on. Since their short break, Logan had not once been out to find relief. It even struck her as funny when she realized that she was so to speak ‘single' and had not once been tempted to go out and look for someone. That was when she realized that she didn't want anyone else. She only wanted Manu.
She felt the powerful car pick up speed and clung to her seat as Manu deftly steered the car across the three lanes. She closed her eyes when Manu began to weave the car between the slower moving vehicles.
“I will have to revert to Plan B.” Manu gave her a quick glance. “I need to draw them out. Hold on.”
The car suddenly swerved to the right, just barely missing another car, and sped down an alley, hitting trashcans and spilling their contents. Manu looked up into the mirror and Logan saw a cold smile appear on her face. She suddenly swerved right and brought the car to a quick stop.
“Stay here. I'll be right back.”
Before Logan could say anything, Manu's long frame shot out of the car and moved behind the car. In the back mirror she could see Manu drawing her gun and disappearing into the dark. For a brief second she thought of following until she remembered that Manu had asked her to do as she said. She told her to stay in the car. The sudden ringing of a cell phone made her jump in her seat. Looking around, she saw the greenish screen of Manu's phone through the pocket of her light jacket. She took it out and looked at the caller ID. It registered as UNKNOWN. Maybe she should not answer it, lest it was someone who was tracing the call. The persistent ringing did not stop and she decided to answer.
“Uh…Hello.” There was silence on the other side. “Hello?”
“Mystique?”
Logan almost dropped the phone at the word and the voice. Oh my…oh my…oh my… It was that scary Japanese woman who threw a knife at her.
“I need to talk to you urgently.”
Why would the woman want to speak to Manu? From what she'd seen the two of them were not friends in the least.
“Mystique, I know who set us up and why.”
Curios, Logan cleared her throat. “She's not here at the moment.”
There was another silence and Logan knew now that it was caused by a time delay. “Ms Keppler, could you ask Mystique to call me back on the following number.”
“Wait let me get a pen.” She looked around the dashboard but saw nothing. She took out her own phone from her pocket. “Give it to me.” Logan took the number.
“It is important that she calls me tonight still. I will have my phone with me.”
“I will make sure she gets the message, Ms…uh…”
“It's Lulu. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.”
Logan rang off and was still staring at the phone when it rang again. She pressed the answer button.
“Mist, it's me. You need to clock in as soon as you can.”
“Excuse me, who's this,” Logan asked, but the line went dead. She stared at the phone. What was that all about? She shook her head slowly. This was like being in one of those action thrillers she watched as a teenager. If she wasn't sitting in her car in a back alley with those weird conversations she'd just had with even weirder people, she'd have thought she was dreaming. She was still staring at the phone when the driver's door opened. With a shriek she dropped the phone.
“Sorry about that, hon.” Manu said slightly out of breath.
“Holy crap, Manu, you scared me. I thought—? She didn't get to finish the sentence because Manu leaned over and took her mouth in a deep, hungry kiss. When the kiss ended, Logan blinked in surprise. Manu looked a little rumpled and flustered, but appeared to be okay.
“Let's go to the hotel,” Manu said in a husky voice. “I need you.”
Logan felt her heart rate pick up at the words and promise in Manu's dark voice. She leaned over to kiss Manu again, accepting her invitation when the phone call popped in her mind.
“Oh no…we can't,” she said whined softly.
Manu cocked her head to the side. “Why not? Please don't tell me your psychologist forbid us to—?
“No, it's not that,” Logan interrupted quickly. “You've had two calls. Lulu called from Japan—?
Manu's head cocked to the side. “Excuse me? Did you just say Lulu? As in Lulu Chen?”
“Yes, she said to call her back on this number. She said that she knew who set you both up and why?” Logan held out her phone. “She said it was really urgent.”
Manu took the phone and pushed her hand through her hair, causing them to stick up a little. Logan reached out and tried to flatten the short strands.
“Then there was this other guy who called. He said you needed to clock in as soon as you can.”
This time Manu reached for her phone and began to rapidly type on the keypad. Logan was eager to know what she was doing, but Manu had a look of intense concentration on her face. She scrolled up and down on her phone before looking up at her.
“We need to keep moving. Can you take out my sim and break it.” She started the car and pulled away with squealing tires.
Logan did slid open the back of the phone and pulled the sim card out and broke it between her fingers before rolling down the window and tossing it out. She sat quietly waiting for Manu to speak. The brunette looked deep in thought.
“Are you okay? What did that guy mean with clocking in? You're not going to the agency, are you?”
Manu looked at her and Logan swallowed at the cold look in the amber eyes. “My contact at the agency just sent me a message. We use a Clockmakers website to send encrypted messages.” Manu sighed. “He warned me to get out of town. It seems the Director is trying to get rid of me. He sent two teams after me.” Manu gave her a sad look. “It seems we're not going to get the chance to celebrate tonight.”
Logan smiled and rubbed Manu's knee. “Don't worry about that. We'll get to it soon enough.” The smile that came over Manu's face warmed Logan's heart. “You should call Lulu. It sounded really urgent.”
Manu nodded and immediately pulled over at a gas station.
+++
Tokyo, Japan
Lulu hung up and turned to find Choko looking at her, nervously biting her nail. She put her phone into her shirt pocket and went to hug her wife.
“Do you think she'll come?” Choko's voice sounded small and a little scared. Lulu hugged her closer.
“We'll know when she calls back. I spoke to her girlfriend and left a message.”
Choko groaned softly. “Do you think she'll forward the message? You tried to kill her, remember.”
Lulu grimaced. She'd forgotten about that. Thinking back, she realized from the silence at the beginning of their conversation that the woman recognized her voice. She hoped the woman really cared about her partner the way Choko did and would want to help her out of this mess.
“She sounded trustworthy enough.” Lulu knew her explanation sounded lame and so did Choko, because she pulled her head back to look up at her. “I think she will.”
“I hope so too. Now all we need to do is wait and see if Mystique will call. Come on let's go lie down for a while.”
Lulu allowed her wife to pull her to the bedroom. She also didn't complain when Choko began to undress her slowly. When they were both naked, they crawled under the duvet and rolled into each other's arms. They lay like that for a long time, the silence stretching. Choko was lying so still that Lulu thought she must've fallen asleep. She decided to let her wife sleep for a while. All the stress Choko had been under lately was not good for her.
After reading the file that Hitero brought her, Lulu had to admit that there was cause for concern. She was up against the third biggest Yakuza clan. It was smaller than the others but quite competent. Their forte was mostly distortion and blackmail. For their niche they groomed a large number of spies and assassins. The spies collected the dirt on their targets and the assassins make sure that the targets paid up or they executed the threats.
It seems as if the director of some clandestine American black ops agency with strong government affiliations had been caught at the wrong place, at the wrong time, and with the wrong crowd. The Director, it seems, had designs on a cushy government job. If the news leaked that he was using his team of assassins to moonlight for the brutal Nuevo drug cartel in Colombia, he would find himself trading in his expensive hand-made suits for prison orange. Another outcome is that he could end up somewhere in a shallow grave in the Colombian jungle. He had to think hard and fast. And he did. He offered the Clan a foothold in the government, where more blackmail targets could be sourced, in exchange for all the material they had on him and his dealings. But first a Pact had to be made in the form of a sign of good faith. The Yakuza clan asked for the head of the best assassin in the American stable and the American asked the same from his soon-to-be Yakuza partner.
The agreement was made and here she was fighting for her life with only three days left to a very important appointment her wife couldn't miss. How could one man's greed throw the lives of so many people in disarray? She shuddered to think what would've happened had she been successful in killing Mystique's partner. What would Mystique have had planned for Choko? The mere thought of someone hurting her gentle wife, made her tighten her hold on her wife. She was so caught up her morose thoughts that she forgot to consider her strength.
“Lulu…?” Choko grunted out and Lulu quickly gentled her hold, kissing Choko's crown.
“Forgive me, my darling. I was lost in thought.”
The dark head lifted and warm brown eyes met hers. “It's okay. I know you are calling Mystique here just to ease my fears. I also know that you do not particularly like or trust her. I want you to know however that I appreciate what you are doing and I love you very much.”
Lulu smiled and kissed Choko. “I will do anything for you.”
“I know and I promise not to abuse that gift.” Choko leaned over Lulu and pressed her lips against Lulu.
The kiss was warm and soft, intended to sooth. But the moment Lulu felt Choko's naked breast brush over her nipple, the kiss caught fire. Lulu rolled Choko over onto her back and used her knee to push her wife's legs apart and pressed her hips down into the warm cradle of Choko's thighs. She groaned into Choko's mouth as she encountered the warmth of her wife's slit. It had always been this way with them. They got hot for each other at a moment's notice.
Lulu rolled her hips and sucked in her breath when Choko tore her lips away from hers and left out a long moan. She hooked her arms under Choko's shoulders for leverage and began to rolled and pump her hips at the same time pulling her wife downwards for better contact. She grunted when Choko pulled up her legs, opening herself up further for her thrusts. They were both so wet, the fiction causing their swollen slits to hit and miss, adding to their movements becoming more frenzied.
“Oh, aiko , I love what you do to me,” Lulu groaned as she planted open mouth kisses in Choko's sweaty neck. “Come for me, my baby.” Lulu knew that Choko loved to hear her talk when they make love. A few suggestive words whispered in a low voice very close to her ear always sets Choko off. She wasn't disappointed when Choko began to pant as she bucked wildly, her clit growing even harder against hers and then it erupted.
Eager to join her wife, Lulu grabbed Choko small hips and began to thrust harder into her. A shrill sound pierced through the sex mad haze and they both groaned at the interruption. Choko was the first to realize who their caller could be. She pushed away from Lulu as she dove for the phone where she'd left it on the nightstand when she had undressed Lulu. She held it out to Lulu. Still reeling from their lovemaking and aching badly for release, Lulu cleared her throat and answered the phone.
“Yes”
“I'm returning your call.”
“Mystique.” Lulu saw Choko punch her fists in the air. “If you give me a secure e-mail address I will scan and sent you some documents that you might find very interesting.”
There was a short silence. “You're not yanking my chain, are you? Because if you do, you know it will not end well.”
Lulu rolled her eyes. “You are thousands of kilometres away from me, American. What makes you think your threats hold any weight?” Lulu risked a glance at Choko and met with a deadly stare from her wife. “But that is not why I called you.”
“I'm listening.”
“We were both sacrificed by our bosses for a deal to keep your boss' underhanded dealings quiet. The Yakuza clan he is hoping to go into partnership with him and has offered to sacrifice me in return as an act of willingness to bring their end of the bargain.” Lulu cleared her throat. “I need your help to get to the Yakuza clan boss.”
This time the silence was longer. “I'm surprised you should think I would help you.”
Lulu looked at Choko and saw the hopeful look on her face. The bile she felt rising at Mystique's words, settled immediately. “I thought you would help, because the man who ordered the hit on your lover is here in Tokyo and will be hiding here until you are taken care of over there.” Lulu looked at her wife, who kneeling on the bed naked, looked utterly gorgeous. “I will need help to get through the Clan's assassins.”
“When do you want me there?”
It was only due to the strict training she'd undergone as an assassin that kept Lulu from expelling a relieved breath. “I want all this wrapped up before Wednesday.”
There was a long silence again. “That's in three days. What's happening on Wednesday that can't wait?”
“My wife has a doctor's appointment and I need to be there.”
Lulu was startled when soft laughter floated over the speaker.
“Well, it's good to know who wears the pants in Japanese households. I will leave tonight. We'll miss a whole day, but I hope you will do your homework in the meantime. You should…”
Lulu heard a broken conversation on the other end. When she caught Choko's question look, she simply shrugged.
“Uhm…I'm bringing my fiancée. It's her plane.”
Lulu smirked at hearing that. “It seems Japanese households are not that much different from American ones.”
“ See you tomorrow night.”
Lulu ended the call and walked over to the bed. She waited until Choko had crawled over her body. “She will be here tomorrow night.”
Choko shrieked and covered Lulu's face with kisses. “Thank you, Lulu, thank you so much.”
Lulu grinned and slapped the shapely bottom. “I should thank you for looking out for me.”
“That's my job as your wife.” The good news seemed to have kick-started her wife's sex drive again, because Choko gave her a dark sexual look. “I believe, as your wife, I've neglected to take care of you earlier.”
Lulu inhaled deeply as the hunger pulsed back to life. “I was hoping you would see it that way.”
+++
Washington, DC
“I will have to make quick call. The Gulfstream is always on standby. You can drive us to the airport in the meantime.”
“Sure thing, boss,” Manu said with a teasing smile and started the car. Her smile broadened when Logan looked up from her phone with a slow smile on her lips. “I love it when you're in your CEO/Chairman mode.”
Logan lowered the phone. “Can't you wait until we're on the plane and locked away in the bedroom before you say things like that? At this rate you'll ruin my expensive underwear.”
Manu leaned over for a quick kiss. “Who says that's not part of my strategy? That would mean you'll have to go without any panties for the duration on the flight.” Manu pulled into traffic when she got a gap.
Logan had her phone to her ear, but she was laughing softly. “For you, I'll go naked for the eleven hour flight. But I should let you know that I always have a few sets of clothes on the plane. I can't afford to arrive at a meeting all rumpled, now can I.”
Manu nodded. “No wonder you're the business whiz kid of the last two decades. You're frighteningly smart.”
Logan held up her hand apologetically and had a brief conversation with her pilot. Ending the call, she briskly rubbed Manu's knee. “Bagging you was my biggest accomplishment.”
Manu swallowed as her throat was constricted by emotions. “You too, honey.”
“Good to hear, babe. The pilot was still at the airport doing his routine check on the plane. We're flying out as soon as we get there.”
“Wow! You guys are efficient.”
“That's why we make the big bucks. We have contingency plans in place for almost everything.”
Manu gave her a wink. “I wonder what you have in place for when the toilet roll runs out during a session.”
Logan giggled and Manu had to say that it was the sexiest giggle she'd ever heard. “I said ‘almost', silly.”
“Ah, that's true.”
They rode in silence for a while until Logan spoke again. “What do you think might be wrong with Lulu's wife? It must be something really serious if she'd willing to do this before her wife's appointment.”
Manu shrugged. She'd been pleasantly surprised when the Japanese woman had admitted her commitment to her wife. That had taken the wind out of her sails. She knew what it felt like to live this morbid, lonely life. If there was a chance for happiness they all grabbed at it with both hands. She was lucky to have found someone like Logan who was willing to take her as she is. Lulu was also lucky, but she didn't know for how long. It was really sad to think about it. She reached out and took Logan's hand.
“I love you.”
Logan squeezed her hand. “I love you too.”
Manu smiled and took the turn off which would take them to the airport.
+++
Somewhere over the Pacific
Logan squeezed her eyes shut as she absorbed the sensation of Manu entering her slowly.
As soon as the ‘seatbelt off' sign came on they had both rushed to the bedroom and tore at each other's clothes. She didn't know for how long they'd been at it, but she it seemed Manu was nowhere near satisfied. A warm tongue trailed the shoulder and Logan felt goose bumps break out on her skin. She turned her head and buried her nose in the fragrant dark hair. Her mouth opened in a soundless gasp as Manu pushed harder and buried her fingers deep inside her.
She moaned when Manu's thumb brushed over her clit. The dark head lifted and burning amber eyes met hers. She gave a long drawn out moan when Manu added another finger, stretching her a little more. The newly added digit brushed up against the slick inner walls, curling up and…Logan's shoulders lifted off the bed as a thunderous climax rushed through her. She felt Manu straddle her thigh and rode herself to a quick release. It took her a while to get her bearings and when she opened her eyes Manu was lying next to her, sipping from the champagne bottle.
“You want some, love?” She held the bottle out to Logan. “It is our engagement after all.”
Logan swallowed and slowly sat up. She groaned inwardly when she caught Manu's eyes trailing over her breasts. She lifted Manu's chin so their eyes could meet. “Enough for now.”
Manu looked genuinely disappointed and Logan gently cupped her cheek. “What's got into you anyway? I can't remember you being this frisky before?”
The Assassin took another sip from the bottle. “This is the first time I make love to you as myself. No more secrets. Also knowing you're my fiancée makes me really hot for you.”
“Really?”
“Really. Now have some of the champagne. I will have to rest if I'm to take on the Japanese mafia tomorrow.”
Logan brought the bottle to her mouth and took a long drink as she studied Manu. With her hair mussed and her amber eyes bright with spent passion, Manu looked absolutely stunning. Logan pulled the bottle away from her lips and cocked her head to the side as she let her eyes trail over Manu's body. The brunette lay naked and uncovered to her gaze. Manu's body was covered by a thin sheen of sweat, giving it a shiny look that highlighted the contours of her body. If she wasn't so spent already, she would've liked to entice her lover into another round. When her eyes lifted from her scrutiny of Manu's body, she met amused amber eyes.
“You like what you see?”
Logan bit her lower lip as she gave Manu a saucy wink. “I most certainly do. It's just sad that I'm too sore to sample the buffet again.”
Manu took the bottle from her hand and placed it on the floor next to the bed. “Then I would suggest we try and get some sleep before we injure you any further.” Logan sighed with pleasure as she was pulled into a warm embrace.
“I agree.” She gave Manu a small kiss and snuggled deeper into her arms. “Thank you for giving me a second chance.”
“We're both lucky to have a second chance.” Their eyes met and held for a moment. “Time to close those baby blues, Lo.”
Logan tightened her arms around Manu and closed her eyes.
+++
Manu was the first to awaken six hours later. She had taught her body to function with little sleep and six hours was more than enough. Not wanting to disturb Logan as she slumbered deeply next to her, she lay still as her eyes wandered over the cabin. Her eyes caught the built-in clock on the wall. The pilots must've adjusted the time as soon as they'd crossed into the different time zone. By her estimation, they were about two hours away from landing. She wondered what was waiting for her.
She had tangled with the Yakuza before and had made regular trips to Tokyo over the years. This time however she wasn't alone and that would mean she would have to be on guard every moment of every day she was going to be here.
Since she began her life as an enforcer for a small New Orleans drug cartel, she'd known that her life would end just as violently as she was living it. She didn't want it to end that way anymore. Hell, she didn't want it to end at all. Logan blew out a soft breathe and Manu looked down at her where the blonde head rested on her shoulder. She wanted to spend as much time as she had left with this woman. If she should die, she would want to die from pleasure, cradled in Logan's arms. Logan was sleeping so peacefully. Did she have any idea how much bloodshed there'll be in the next hours to come? How can she keep her from witnessing that?
A soft ping sound filled the cabin. It was the airhostess informing them about their imminent landing. Manu brushed a kiss over Logan's hair.
“Time to wake up, honey. We need to strap ourselves in,” she whispered softly.
“No need to leave the room. Make use of the straps on the bed.”
Manu smiled. Well, had she known about the straps on the bed, they would probably still be making love. She felt around the bed and found the straps. After she'd secured them both, she laid back and listened to the sounds of the engine.
Logan had a penthouse apartment in the Tokyo, but as soon as the Yakuza gets wind of Manu's arrival, the penthouse would probably be the first place they will look for her. They will have to find another place to hole up for the evening.
“What are you thinking about?”
Manu looked down to find sleepy, blue eyes watching her. “I'm thinking where I can take you that will be safe. Your penthouse will be the first place they look for me.”
The blonde laughed softly. “I know of many places in Tokyo where you can get lost and not be found. You need not be worried about me.”
Manu was serious as she studied Logan. “I'm not letting you out of my sight.”
“Then we will have to stay with Lulu and her wife. You did say that Lulu's father-in-law is a respected Yakuza chief. I'm sure his daughter will be guarded well.”
“I'll ask Lulu. If not I will have to find a place for us.” Manu stroked over the blonde hair. “I still have a few contacts over here.” She slapped Logan on the butt. “We've overslept. I hope we'll get a few minutes to freshen up.”
“I hope so too.”
+++
“Lulu, you need to get some sleep. You have been staring at those plans for almost five hours straight,” Choko stood in the doorway to the study. Lulu looked up; her eyes were burning from staring down at the plans.
“I managed a few hours of sleep last night. I will be fine, my love. By the way, Mystique and her woman should be landing soon. I need to meet them at the airport.”
“Are they going to stay here with us?” Choko asked.
“Well, since they flew all the way over here to assist us, I think we can extend the courtesy. Mystique is no stranger to Tokyo and I don't want her to be spotted. Her presence here should be kept secret.”
“You're right. I will get the guestroom fixed up.” Choko came over to nuzzle Lulu's neck. “Promise me you two will not stay up too long? I want you to have a good night's sleep.”
“We'll come straight here from the airport. It will be midnight by then and I'm sure they might want to sleep a little.”
“If they're coming with a private jet, I'm sure they'll be rested. It's you I'm worried about.”
Lulu turned her head to take Choko's lips in a warm kiss. “I promise I will rest a few hours before I go out again.” Lulu glanced at her watch. It was ten p.m. Mystique would land in an hour. It was time for her to move. “I have to go.”
Choko stepped back. “Do you think I should prepare them something to eat?”
“Let's wait until they get here, okay.”
“Okay.”
Lulu gave Choko a quick hug. She grabbed her keys and left.
+++
Manu opened her bag and scanned the contents. Everything was there. She took out a small, cylindrical object and pushed it under her tongue.
She stiffened when two arms came around her waist.
“Tense, baby?”
She smiled and turned around. “A little.”
“No need. Everything will be okay. You will not let anything go wrong.”
Manu's eyes narrowed. “Really?”
“Of course, love,” Logan said gently. Logan's eyes were intense as they looked into hers. “You will not let anything happen to me and if anything happens to you. I will be dead too.”
Manu's eyes grew wider. Logan was right. If she were to get killed, Logan will also be killed. Her heart stuttered at the thought. She reached out and pulled Logan in a tight embrace. “I will not let anything happen to you.”
Logan brushed her hand over Manu's cheek. “I know. Now hurry up and check your stuff so we can leave the plane.” Logan left the room to talk with her staff. Manu zipped up the bag and slung it over her shoulder. Lulu had better be working on a plan. If Purcell was in deed here in Tokyo, nothing and no one would stand in her way of getting to him. She would shoot her way through whomever and whatever was protecting him.
She stepped out of the bedroom to find Logan sitting ramrod stiff in a seat. The blonde's eyes were fixed on something outside the window. Reading her lover's body signs, Manu could tell that Logan was alarmed. Her hand went to the back of her jeans where she had hidden a weapon.
“Everything okay, honey?”
Logan's eyes were wide as she turned to look at her. “I think she's here.”
Manu peered through the window. What she saw made her eyebrows rise.
A gleaming black motorcycle stood on the tarmac a few feet away from where the plane was parked. A black clad rider stood next to it, still wearing a helmet.
Lulu could be so dramatic at times.