Epilogue
TWO MONTHS LATER
DUNDEE, SCOTLAND
MAYA
It's May in the Highlands; I love it here in Scotland. The rolling green hills, fields, and lochs are something I think I've needed for a long time. They soothe my soul. My nightmares still come but not as often. I have Duncan to help me through them, just like I help him with his.
The main house is finished with its reconstruction. I took an extended leave from the Secret Service to protect Ana. Greg headed back to London last month to start his new job. We've decided to wait until after Ana's baby is born to get married.
My condo sold, my belongings are here, and our vehicles arrived today.
Derek was so excited to see his girl, he took off for a long ride.
My life feels complete except for the crap with Jonathon and my stalker.
A week after we left DC, a note with a bouquet of white myrtle flowers showed up at Greg's Secret Service Division office in DC.
I knew this was from someone who knew my mother very well, as they were the only flowers my father gave her every year on their anniversary.
Maya,
I'd guess that you're sick of flowers, but I needed to get your attention. I'll protect you with my very life if I must. Carl was an easy kill for me, he would've eventually come after you. Stay away and stay safe. I miss your mother every day.
Always,
Your protector
I have no clue who it could be or what they mean, but I'll take their advice. I'll protect my family, and if a stranger wants to help me, I'll let them.
None of the charges from the US incident has stuck yet on Jonathon or anyone else for that matter. We weren't followed to Scotland, but no one from London could go get his or her belongings.
Carl’s murder is still under investigation with no leads. Joshua and I have become partners and are working on making a full-service security company. He and I regularly practice our knife skills, and the other guys are afraid of Duncan, so they don't fight me.
Derek is settling in with the team. I see him walking around a lot and worry he misses DC, but he assures me he's fine.
I hope someday for him to find what I have with Duncan.
I know that love can never be replaced, but I hope he'll learn to love again.
He and Raul have become fast friends and ride dirt bikes around the property a lot.
He's also formed a bond with Ana. I still watch Joshua around Ana, one day they'll figure out the other knows who they are and that they still care.
I knock on Ana's door now. She’s been acting strange for a while now.
"Ana, let me in."
"Come in, Maya," she says with a sigh.
"The crews are working on your cottage now. You’ll have your own place soon. Please talk to me, what's going on?"
"Maya, do you believe in fate?"
"Yes, I wouldn’t have Duncan if I didn't. Without knowing you, our moms started this, it was fate."
"Maya, please don't freak out."
"Okay."
"Joshua is Lieutenant."
"I know, I figured it out in December. You're his Angel."
"Yes."
"What happened in December that changed everything?"
"I realized I was still in love with him. I don't think he remembers me from all those years ago. That day we had lunch was the first time I'd seen him since our day. I missed him so much."
"He does remember you, he's giving you space and time, Ana. I'm pretty sure he still loves you too."
"You've talked to him?"
"No, not really, just call it intuition."
"What should I do?"
"Relax and cook that baby. If it's meant to be, it will happen."
"Okay."
Guess they're going to figure it out sooner rather than later. I know I shouldn't meddle, but I want Ana to learn to love and trust again too. I think I'm becoming a hopeless romantic.
I head to my room, where Duncan is getting ready to step into the shower after a run.
"Want to join me, baby?" He's still so cautious with me.
"Hell yes!" I strip down and climb in with him. I've barely cleared the lip of the shower when he picks me up and presses me against the wall. I wrap my legs around him.
"I love you, Maya, but this isn't going to be something sweet, I need you real bad."
"Good, no more kid gloves. Please, Duncan." He reaches between us to feel my wetness and kisses me.
"Baby, are you always so wet?"
"Only for you, Duncan, my love." He presses into me as I push down onto his cock.
My head falls back against the wall and I'm already ready to climax. He leans into me, kissing my throat and dragging his teeth along it. He then bends down to suck a nipple into his mouth. He's pushing in and out of me, the dual points drive me closer.
"Duncan, honey, I'm going to come. Duncan, please."
"That's all I wanted to hear." He starts pushing me down harder onto him and bites onto my nipple. I explode around him; I hear him groan and feel him coming inside me.
"Duncan, I love you."
"Maya, I love you too. Have you thought about our conversation from last night?"
"No, Duncan, I have not." It’s a little white lie, but I can't think about bringing a baby into this situation. He wants us to start trying after the wedding, but I fear bringing another child into our group could be dangerous. I still have my fears and insecurities, but I'm learning.
"Maya, just think about it. We don't have to try right away. Next time, just please tell me the truth."
"What?"
"I can tell when you're lying to me. I love you. I can wait to have children."
"I love you too. I promise I'll think about it. I'm just afraid of us leaving a child behind."
"I'll protect you and any of our kids to my dying breath."
"See, that's what I mean." I laugh at him.
He pulls out of me and we finish showering, washing each other off. We head to the bedroom where we again practice making a baby without trying for one. I'll die for this man and any child we have together, just as I’d die for Ana's baby.
I curl up to him and think about how wonderful my life is and how much I want to give him a child. A son. For the first time in years, I dream of a happy future with a dark-haired little boy running through the fields.
I really appreciate you reading Sniper’s Kiss.