Trial by Fire Read online

  “You knew but didn’t turn him in?”

  “I was in love with him.”

  “How in the world did you meet?”

  “In the clubs. I liked being his prey. I went to his showings at the gallery. Anything to be near him. He charmed me. I fell hard.” Heidi reached across the table to touch Abbey’s hand. “Sloan is important to me. So, I think it’s right to know the most important person in his life. I’m no threat. You’re his soul, his universe. And his match, from what I understand. He told me about the Gauntlet. If you’re interested, I might have a mission or two I could use your help on.”

  Abbey blushed. “I’m still getting used to this assassin thing.”

  “Sloan said you’re a natural.”

  Abbey felt her cheeks grow hotter at the compliment as she took a mug of coffee from the waiter. “He has great faith in me.”

  “Deservedly so.”

  It wasn’t long before their breakfast was served. They continued to chat as they ate. Abbey laughed at the funny stories Heidi told her about Sloan, Gordon, Bartholomew, and Robert. All four were very secretive about their pasts. It was nice to know they were also normal men.

  Heidi and Abbey had barely returned to the hotel when the guys returned from practice. Sloan glanced warily from one woman to the other. With a shrug, he disappeared into the bathroom for a shower.

  A knock on the penthouse door interrupted the women’s conversation. Abbey opened it to find Logan and Ashleigh standing there. “What are you guys doing here?”

  Logan looked less than pleased. “Where’s Sloan? He wanted these papers signed.”

  “The shower. He said he wasn’t working this week.”

  “Take it up with your husband, Abbey. He told me to get on a jet, fly across the ocean, and bring them here.”

  “I did.” A deep, Irish brogue came from the bathroom. Abbey turned to find Sloan in just a pair of tight jeans.

  Logan stormed into the room and offered the pages to Sloan. “I still don’t understand why I couldn’t have sent you the PDF file.”

  Sloan pointed to the table beside him. “Put them there. I’m on vacation.”

  Logan looked at him, clearly baffled. “You told me—”

  “Yes, I did. You wouldn’t have come for the reason I needed. I had to force you some other way.”

  Logan rubbed his eyes in irritation. “Why am I here?”

  “We need one more person to play rugby tomorrow.”

  “You forced me to come to London to play rugby?” Logan near-shouted.

  “You wouldn’t have come if I had told you the truth. And you’re the best ball handler I know.”

  Logan stared at Sloan, his temper deflating. Abbey smiled. She knew the compliment meant the world to him. Sloan didn’t offer praise often. “I don’t have my equipment.”

  “I have an extra pair of cleats you can use. The rest you can charge against the company. Go buy clothes for Ashleigh too. A couple days’ worth. You’re both on mandatory vacation now.”

  Abbey glanced at Ashleigh. The blonde was suddenly excited to have a few days off and new pieces to her wardrobe.

  Logan shook his head for a moment and then sighed. “Fine. I’m in. I need to get out on a pitch beforehand.”

  “It’s not natural talent?” Sloan quipped with a grin. “We’re going back tonight.”

  “Awesome. Guess we better go get a room.”

  Sloan strode over to the desk by the window and opened the center drawer, taking out an envelope. He handed it to Logan. “Already taken care of.”

  Logan blew out a long breath and then took Ashleigh’s hand. “We’ll see you later. Call me when you head to the pitch.”

  “Will do.”

  Once they disappeared down the hall, Heidi said her goodbyes and followed.

  Abbey turned to her husband. “Ame and Ethan are down for their naps. Do you want me to order some lunch?”

  “I think a nap sounds great. Want to join me?”

  Abbey smiled at him. “Somehow, I don’t think we’ll be sleeping.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  She giggled as she wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed him. Her lips parted as Sloan deepened the kiss. She didn’t think she’d mind this nap.

  Abbey remained at the hotel with her children while the men returned to the pitch for a final practice. Once they were finished, everyone went out for a quick dinner and then to bed. The lovemaking would have to wait. Sloan was out cold as soon as his head hit the pillow. Abbey didn’t mind. She was exhausted.

  The next day, Sloan left early with the rest of the men to warm up for the game. Abbey’s uneasiness got the better of her. Something just didn’t seem right. Unfamiliar with London, she called the only source she knew could help her.

  “Hello?” Heidi questioned.

  “Heidi, this is Abbey. I need your help.”

  “What is it, Abbey?”

  Abbey paused. “I need to get to a pharmacy.”

  “Are you feeling all right?”

  “I do. But…” Abbey’s voice trailed off.

  “Oh,” Heidi confirmed. “I understand. I’ll pick you up in fifteen minutes and take you to one.”

  “Thank you. See you then.” Abbey hung up and then called her mother.

  “Good morning, sweetheart,” Mary greeted her. “What do you need?”

  “Hi, Mom. Could you take Ame and Ethan to the pitch? Heidi’s coming to pick me up.”

  There was a pause. “Your dad already left with the boys. I guess Maggie and Ashleigh could give me a hand.”

  “I would really appreciate it. Thank you, Mom.”

  “Happy to help. Just drop them off at my room on your way out.”

  “Will do.” Abbey ended the call and then quickly dressed her children. She hustled them to Mary’s room and reached the lobby just as Heidi pulled up to the front door.

  Abbey and Heidi wandered around the quaint little pharmacy. The moment Abbey caught sight of the pregnancy test, she grabbed one and took it to the counter to pay for it. The two women ran to the car. They had barely settled inside before Heidi raced down the road.

  Heidi glanced at her. “So now what are you going to do?”

  “I guess I’ll check after the game.”

  “Can you wait that long?”

  “Not really.”

  “My office is nearby. You could take the test there.”

  “You’re suggesting that I pee on a stick in Buckingham Palace?”

  “I didn’t volunteer the Queen’s private bathroom. I’m offering the one outside my office.”

  Abbey paused for a moment. “Sure. Let’s do it.”

  Heidi grinned as she wove through the traffic until the reached the palace. Heidi escorted her through security then waved toward the restroom. “I’ll wait out here.”

  “Great.” Abbey stepped into the small, sterile room then locked the door. She read the instructions twice before she followed them. She set the test on the edge of the sink then washed her hands.

  “Anything?” Heidi called through the door.

  “I just did it,” Abbey shouted back. She unlocked the door and opened it to let the blonde inside. They waited in silence as they watched the plastic stick.

  After a couple minutes, Heidi smiled. “Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.” Abbey sighed content. “It’s not official until there’s a blood test.”

  “I can call my gynecologist and get you in for one.”

  “Thank you. That would be nice.”

  “You’re welcome.” Heidi checked her watch. “We better go. The game is about to start.”

  Heidi led Abbey to the car. The chatted as Heidi drove across London to the pitch.

  Heidi parked next to the field as the teams took the field. Both women strode to the stands and found places with the rest of the family. Abbey searched for Sloan.

  Sloan’s eyes locked with hers. He spun on his toe and sprinted toward her, bringing objections from
everyone else playing. He didn’t stop until he reached Abbey and wrapped her in his arms. “Are you all right? What did the test say?” he demanded.

  “Wait. How did you know?”

  “I traced the GPS on your phone when you didn’t arrive with the rest of the family. Steele confirmed you were at the pharmacy with Heidi.”

  Abbey smiled as she kissed him. “Well, it looks like I won’t be joining you on your adventures. At least for the next few months.”

  Sloan’s eyes grew wide. “You’re…”

  “Yes, Sloan. I’m pregnant. I guess I’ve been through Belfast and The Gauntlet.”

  Sloan pulled her in for a long, deep, triumphant kiss.

  As they broke apart, Abbey giggled. “I take it you’re pleased.”

  Sloan laughed. “Oh, most definitely pleased.”

  “Mr. O’Riley. Take to the field please,” a gruff voice behind them barked.

  “I’ll be right there,” Sloan responded, kissing her once more. “I love you.”

  “I love you too. Good luck.”

  Sloan blew her one last kiss and then trotted to the pitch to take his place.

  Abbey settled into her seat with a sigh just before the barrage of questions from her family started.

  »»•««

  Logan took a long sip of his beer. He had earned it. He had played the game of his life. So had everyone else. They had annihilated the other team. Then they had headed to this little pub, still in their uniforms, to celebrate.

  Sloan, Robert, Bartholomew, and Steele sat at a table, chatting loudly about how everyone had played. Logan’s name came up several times, each time with quite a bit of praise. He didn’t expect less. He had brought in half the points himself. He deserved it.

  Logan spun on his stool to watch them. Abbey strolled up to the four men, a glass of water in her hand. Sloan tugged her to him, untucking her shirt and popping the top button on her shorts. Then, he pressed his lips against her abdomen affectionately.

  Logan huffed. O’Riley baby number three was on its way. He would kill to have the happiness Sloan had with Abbey.

  “Sorry I took so long. There was a line.”

  Logan turned back around. Ashleigh smiled at him, her deep blue eyes glimmering in the dim light of the pub. Logan’s heart leaped in his chest. Why couldn’t he be happy like Sloan?

  He set his mug on the bar and took her hand. “Can we talk outside?”

  Ashleigh looked at him uneasily. “Sure. I guess.”

  Logan led her out of the pub. The brightly lit London Eye provided the perfect backdrop. He couldn’t have asked for a better night.

  “What did you want to talk about, Logan?” she questioned.

  He pulled her to him for a kiss. “I realized I’m tired of being the only guy in this group without true happiness in my life.”

  “What would make you happy?”

  “You. You in my life forever.” Logan dropped to one knee before her. “Ashleigh, please marry me? I’m sorry I don’t have a ring. Say yes, and it’s the first thing I do tomorrow.”

  Tears glistened in her eyes as she nodded. “I don’t care about the ring, Logan. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  He scooped her off her feet in a bear hug and then placed an excited kiss to her mouth. She parted her lips to deepen it. As they pulled free, Logan moaned. “Maybe we should head back to the hotel.”

  They both turned as the sound of an aggravated brogue pierced the air. They watched as Sloan sped by, snarling at whoever was on the other end of his phone. A few moments later, Abbey, Robert, Bartholomew, and Gordon slipped outside, a look of concern on all their faces.

  “What are you guys doing out here?” Abbey questioned.

  Ashleigh looked anxiously at Logan and then grinned at Abbey. “Logan just asked me to be his wife, and I said yes.”

  Abbey hugged her. “Congratulations! I’m so happy for you!”

  Robert chuckled. “At least one woman accepted your proposal, Logan.”

  Logan’s eyes narrowed, but he laughed anyway. “Thanks, Robert.”

  Sloan stormed into the group waiting on the sidewalk, shoving his cell back into his pocket.

  Abbey frowned. “Sweetheart, what is it?”

  Sloan blew out a long breath. “That was the CIA. I now know why they pressured me to get my citizenship. They have an assignment for me.” He took a long, hard look at Bartholomew, Robert, Logan, Gordon, and Abbey. “For us.”

  “What do you mean us?” Gordon demanded.

  “I don’t know the details. We’ll get them when we get home. I argued that Abbey shouldn’t be involved now that she’s pregnant. I was assured her part would be minor. All I know is that we’ll be teaming up with Jessica Sales.”

  “Jessica? Didn’t you sleep with Jessica?” Robert queried.

  “No,” Sloan barked. “Just friends. Believe it or not, I didn’t sleep with every woman who crossed my path.”

  Abbey growled a bit. “Doesn’t matter. Friends or not, pregnant or not, I’m going.”

  Ashleigh clung to Logan, burying her face in his chest. Logan saw the flicker in Sloan’s ice-blue eyes. “Is there a problem, Ashleigh?”

  “I proposed tonight,” Logan defended.

  Sloan’s lips curled in a smile. “I promise I’ll bring your groom home safe to you, Ashleigh.”

  Ashleigh lifted her head and smiled at Sloan. Logan hugged her closer, watching as Sloan did the same with his own bride. He wasn’t sure what tomorrow would bring when they received their marching orders from the CIA. But tonight, he was holding his new fiancée, surrounded by his brothers.

  Life couldn’t be more perfect.

  About the Author

  Tricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband, Brian, and her children, sons Jake and Jon, and daughter Ali. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations. When she’s not writing (which she loves to do), Tricia practices mixed martial arts, coaches and participates in track and field, reads, and is involved in many of her children's activities.

  If you enjoyed this book, this author has other works available here:

  Author's Web Site

  Other Books by this Author on Amazon

  Other Books by this Author on Barnes & Noble

  Other Books by this Author on Kobo

  Hartwood Publishing delights in introducing authors and stories that open eyes, encourage thought, and resonate in the hearts of our readers.