His father nodded slowly, gaze tired and worried. “Later, then. But Liam? Your grandmother will not take no for an answer this time.”
If he weren’t so exhausted, Liam would try to argue, but he’d known the proverbial line in the sand was coming. His time in the field had been reduced, and this latest mess only proved he was a target and a distraction to any mission the UMG would run with him on it. If Liam wasn’t safe, that meant his team wasn’t safe.
“We should let Liam rest,” Jasper said.
Georgia cleared her throat, patting Liam’s hand before she finally let go. “Your doctor will be in shortly. They were giving us some time with you first.”
“Thanks,” Liam muttered.
“I should go. I need to check in with my supervisors,” Oliver said.
Liam looked over at him. “I thought you were our liaison?”
“MI6 sent over more senior agents to handle the flow of information after you were taken.”
“That’s a load of bollocks.”
“Unlike you, I don’t argue with my chief.”
“You should try it sometime.” Oliver didn’t smile, but Liam rather thought the other man was amused. Or perhaps it was the lingering drugs in his system. “Come back when you’re finished.”
Oliver’s gaze flickered toward Liam’s family. When he looked at Liam again, he only nodded silently before leaving. Liam was mildly disappointed Oliver didn’t kiss him goodbye.
Jasper came around the biobed to take Oliver’s spot, staring down at Liam with a faint, teasing smile on his face. “Is that your agent you refused to talk about when we had a meal with Jamie and Kyle?”
“Sod off,” Liam muttered.
Jasper laughed, reaching down to clasp Liam on the shoulder and give him a gentle squeeze. “I’m glad you’re all right, little brother.”
Liam closed his eyes, tired after all the chatting. “So am I.”
* * *
Twenty-four hourslater found Liam being driven home to his cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace. When the car pulled up to the guard gate, Liam rolled down the window and leaned forward to look past Oliver, giving the guard on duty a wan smile.
“Add Ollie here to the registered guests list. Full access, even if I’m not here,” Liam said.
Oliver slanted Liam a look before shaking his head. He didn’t argue though, merely pressed his hand to the bioscanner the guard came back with so his print could be read and held still for the retinal scan.
“Are you sure about me going on your list?” Oliver asked as they drove forward.
“I have other friends on that list. Jamie and Kyle, for one.” Liam pointed up ahead. “Park in that spot.”
Oliver followed his directions and guided the car into the spot before turning off the engines. “I’m fairly certain Jamie and Kyle come as a set.”
“True. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve a spot on the list.”
Oliver handed him the code-keys, face expressionless. “Do I?”
Liam hated the way Oliver seemed to be hiding behind the structures of manners and distance. He took the code-keys, then curled his fingers around Oliver’s, drawing the other man’s hand to his mouth. Liam pressed a kiss over his knuckles before letting go.
“Yes. Now come inside and I’ll make you a cuppa.”
Oliver narrowed his eyes. “But I’m not on fire.”
Liam barked out a laugh. “Cheeky arsehole.”
“You’re supposed to be resting.”
