Code Name: Sparrow: A Suspenseful Super Soldier Romance (Infinitum Series Book 2), page 1
Copyright © 2021 by Laura Mowery
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise without written permission from the publisher or author. It is illegal to copy this book, post it to a website, or distribute it by any other means without permission.
This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.
ASIN B09B1HWC23
Cover Design by Cover Couture www.bookcovercouture.com
For my sister, Stacey. Your unwavering support, even from half a world away, keeps me moving forward. Love you sissy!
Contents
1. Luke
2. Liv
3. Luke
4. Liv
5. Liv
6. Liv
7. Luke
8. Specter
9. Liv
10. Luke
11. Liv
12. Liv
13. Liv
14. Liv
15. Luke
16. Liv
17. Luke
18. Liv
19. Luke
20. Specter
21. Liv
22. Specter
23. Luke
24. Liv
25. Liv
26. Liv
27. Liv
28. Liv
29. Specter
30. Luke
31. Liv
32. Liv
33. Liv
34. Liv
35. Liv
36. Luke
37. Specter
38. Liv
39. Liv
40. Liv
41. Luke
42. Specter
43. Liv
44. Liv
45. Luke
46. Liv
47. Specter
48. Luke
49. Liv
50. Luke
Epilogue Specter
The Infinitum Series
Acknowledgments
About Author
Chapter 1
Luke
My hands flex with the urge to inflict damage. I pace by the floor-to-ceiling windows in my Reilly Tech office in San Diego. The memory of Liv covered in blood and her anguished cries replay in a constant loop in my mind.
“Son of a bitch!” It’s been a month since Liv was attacked. A month since she was violated and forced to kill a man, all because I failed her. And we still have fucking nothing. Every road we go down leads to a steel wall.
“We’re doing the best we can,” Fox says from the monitor on the wall. His voice remains calm as he continues to type on his computer. I sag into the chair. I know he’s doing his best. It didn’t take long to learn how smart he is. He could hack into Nova, my dad’s high tech and supposedly impenetrable security system. A system that was only supposed to answer to me or my cousin, Emilia. But someone else got in, and Liv paid the price.
Then this morning, what little intel we had disappeared from the Maddox system. Another state-of-the-art system my dad created that nobody should have been able to hack into. First Nova, now this. Who the fuck are we dealing with? I’m terrified that we’re in the dark, and I’m taking it out on Fox. I attempt to relax my rage, but it’s a struggle.
“There’s something we haven’t discussed yet that I think warrants a conversation,” Fox says, turning to his camera and scooting closer so his face fills the screen.
Mark looks up from his laptop and I straighten and nod for Fox to continue.
“There’s a possibility that someone within your company is behind this.”
My face hardens. “If you’re suggesting Emilia, you can go straight to hell.”
He shakes his head no, not at all perturbed by my harsh tone. “No, your cousin is clean. But someone may have stolen the codes from either of you without your knowledge.”
Now that is a sobering thought. “You think there’s a mole?”
“We can’t rule out the possibility. We’re stumbling into something huge here. Something someone doesn’t want us to stumble into. Whoever it is, they’re
taking great effort to remain hidden.”
“All the more reason to keep stumbling.”
“Exactly. I already informed Jim.” I nod at that. Fox’s boss is also my dad’s best friend. When Dad died, he checked in on me frequently. I still rely on him for
my security needs.
“When will you have Nova re-programmed?” I ask.
“Another few weeks.”
“What’s the fucking hold up?”
Fox’s lips thin and he stops what he’s doing to stare at me. I’m being unreasonable. But every second that ticks by is a second that Liv isn’t safe.
“I will not answer that,” he says, schooling his features and returning to his task.
Mark frowns at me. “Luke, you need to be with Liv. She needs to return to her routine. She’s feeling neglected.”
He’s right. I’ve let this consume me. I thought we could find the threat and eliminate it so we could return to normal knowing Liv was safe. But now, the task seems impossible.
“How do I protect her from a threat I don’t understand?”
“We just need to tighten it up. Once Fox has Nova ready, we’ll download it into the condo.”
“It’s not fair to her. She didn’t sign up for a prison sentence.”
“She’s earned the right to decide that. And I already know what she’ll say. She’ll do it, because she loves you.”
“Maybe that’s the problem. My dad didn’t have a choice. The threat against my mom came after they were already married with kids. But I have a choice. I could…” Fuck, I can’t even say it out loud. I’m a selfish coward.
Fox stops typing and turns to look at me. Mark’s face turns to stone.
“Please tell me you’re not suggesting what I think you are,” Mark growls.
I drop my gaze to the ground.
“You can’t be serious,” Fox says, his eyes wide with concern. He’s never even met Liv, but he knows what a big deal this is.
“What else can I do? She’s safer without me. You can’t say that isn’t true.” I silently beg Mark to tell me I’m wrong.
He sighs. “It’s too late for that.”
“Not if I make it public. Make it clear she’s not important to me anymore.”
“That’s bullshit.”
“They won’t know that. I’ll keep a detail on her, just to make sure she’s safe. We can be discreet.”
“Luke… you’ll destroy her.” Mark meets my eyes, knowing that’s the part I’m not facing.
I swallow, but I don’t look away. “She never needed me. She’ll recover.”
“Will you?” Fox asks.
“That’s not important.”
“It’s not a sure thing,” Mark says.
“It’s all I’ve got. I wouldn’t recover if she was murdered because of me. After Mom died, my dad only kept going because of me and Skye. I see that now. If something happens to Liv, put a bullet in me and bury me next to her. I’d rather live in a world where she’s safe, even if it’s not with me.”
I’ve learned my lesson. We got lucky this time. Liv survived. I’m not willing to risk her a second time. I’ll be damned if I let Liv meet the same fate as my mom.
“You’re making a huge mistake, Luke. She’ll survive you, but she won’t be the same. You’ll change her, harden her. Is that what you want?”
“Better she be hardened than dead.” It’s that simple.
Fox shakes his head and returns to his computer.
Mark glares at me, then lets out a sigh. “The guys won’t like it."
“Tough shit.”
“You prepared for the fallout? Her brother? Her dad?”
I nod. “You know her dad will be thrilled.”
He stares at me long and hard, then nods. “I’ll do what I can to make it easy on her. But she needs time. She’s still healing.”
“She’s already talking with my therapist. Once she’s settled, I’ll find the right time. Meanwhile, we need to arrange everything. I’ll be out of her life, but I won’t abandon her. I’ll make sure she’s taken care of.”
Mark sighs. “You’re going to regret this.”
Two months later, I sit on my couch, my hands clasped together, my chin resting on them with my elbows on my knees. Liv is doing well. The sessions with Susan are helping her cope, and her wounds are healing. She’s so fucking strong.
After a long talk with Mark yesterday, I’ve decided that tonight will be the night I rip out my heart, set it on fire, and bury the ashes in a deep, dark hole. I can’t keep putting it off. Liv is already suspicious and being around her is torture. I’m worried to the point of distraction that something will happen to her.
Last night, I made love to Liv for the last time. My one last selfish act. I memorized the feel of her, the sounds she made, the way she told me she loved me. After tonight, I’ll never have it again. A wave of emotion hits me, and I choke it back.
Liv left with Mark for John’s house a half hour ago. Garrett, Dylan, Jackson, Jordy, Skye, and Brando sit around my living room, waiting for me to speak. They have no idea what’s about to happen.
“What the fuck is going on, man?” Jackson asks when I stay quiet for too long. I meet his eyes, then Brando’s, then Jordy’s.
“I’ve decided how to best protect Liv.” The air vibrates with tension. “Her life is in constant danger because of her connection to me.”
Jordy has already figured it out. He sits back and his nostrils flare, but he stays silent, waiting for me to get it out. “So, to keep her safe, I’m breaking up with her. And I’m doing it tonight.”
I sit and wait for the explosion. The silence drags on and I look up to shocked expressions, except for Jordy, who glares at me.
“What the actual fuck?” Dylan breaks the silence.
His voice snaps them out of their shock. “Luke, have you lost your goddamn mind?” Jackson says.
“I’m not making this decision lightly. I’ve put things in motion to make this easier for her. She’s set up financially for the rest of her life. Garrett and Dylan, you’ll stay with her for the rest of your contract.”
“Do you think she gives a shit about being financially set? How could you do this to her?” Jackson says, his tone disbelieving.
“I can’t just leave her hanging. She already depends on me for a place to live. I still love her. That’s why I’m doing this. I hope one day she’ll be able to understand that.
“You’re an even bigger asshole than I gave you credit for. She trusts you, Luke. You make it sound like the end of a business deal. What the fuck is wrong with you?” Jackson says.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “It’s the only way he can get through it,” Jordy answers for me.
Jackson looks over at him, then back at me, and his fists clench as his jaw ticks.
Brando has been glaring at the ground with his arms crossed. His lips press together and he faces me. “What about when she dates someone else? Because she will. She’s a fucking catch. You’ll let another man put his hands on her? You think about that?”
I flinch, because when that day comes, I’ll be dead inside. “Yes. She deserves happiness. And in order for her to find it, I’m stepping back. I’ll be spending more time in LA.”
They stare at me again for a full minute. I’ve never tucked tail and run before, but that’s exactly what I’m doing.
“You don’t get to come crawling back to her once you’ve realized how much you’ve fucked up. You owe her a clean break. Do you understand me?” Jackson’s voice is hard and his eyes blaze.
They’re all ready to castrate me, but I feel content that Liv will have these fierce men to look after her. She’ll be protected, and I’ll be able to sleep at night, knowing she’s safe.
“I understand.” I nod at him, but it does little to soften his mood.
Jordy steps up to me and I stand to face him. He measures me for a long moment before he finally speaks.
“You’re letting your fear rule you.”
"So be it. They’ll kill her to get to me. I can’t let that happen.”
He’s silent for a few beats, then he lets out a weary sigh. He moves around me and heads towards the front door. When his hand hits the handle, he turns back. “For the record, this is the stupidest thing you’ve ever done.”
He leaves and slams the door behind him.
The guys glare at me. I won’t get any sympathy and I don’t deserve it. “I need whoever’s after me to be convinced that Liv isn’t important to me anymore.”
“What does Mark think?” Brando asks.
“He’s in your camp.”
“What about John?” Garrett asks.
My eyes drop to the ground. “I haven’t told him, but I think he has suspicions. I didn’t want to force him to keep it from Liv.”
“But you’re fine putting us in that position?” Jackson asks.
“I want you guys to be there for her when it happens. You can't do that if you're too busy being pissed at me. Now, you'll be able to focus on her.”
They fall silent as they try to absorb everything.
“Luke, for what it’s worth, I understand why you’re doing this. I think she will too someday, but you’re taking away her decision. Is there any way I can convince you to try a different route? At least talk to her first instead of blindsiding her like this?” Garrett asks.
“I’ve made my decision.”
“Yea, he’s taking the coward’s way out, because if he talks to Liv about it, he won’t be able to do it. He’s fucking weak,” Jackson bites out. Brando puts a hand on
his shoulder, but Jackson shrugs him off and faces the window.
“You’re not wrong. I am weak. But it will keep her safe, and that’s all that matters.”
“Fuck, man. You’re throwing away something we’d all kill to have. We’ll protect her. If we work together, we can find a way through this,” Dylan says.
“She has all of you to take care of her. She’s stronger than me.”
Garrett just shakes his head and sighs.
“Who’s going with you to LA?” Brando asks.
“Mark for now. Jordy is in charge while he’s gone. Fox will replace Mark eventually.”
Brando rubs the back of his neck and sighs. “We’ll all watch out for her, of course. She won’t lose us, too. But you have to be sure about this.”
I nod. “I’m sure.”
Dylan stands and heads down the hall to his room. Garrett sighs and follows him. “We’ll start packing.”
Skye’s stern gaze reminds me of Mom. I palm the ache in my chest. “I’m disappointed in you. You’re not playing fair. She should get a say.”
It won’t matter. Skye sees the resolve on my face and sighs. “Dad always said you got your stubborn streak from him. You’re an idiot, but I love you.”
She stands and gives me a hug. I hug her back, then she turns to Jackson and they leave without a backwards glance.
Then it’s just me and Brando and I sink into the couch and hang my head in my hands.
I’m surprised when I feel the couch dip next to me. “You’ve always had a superhero complex. I never thought you would let it take you to this level. You can’t survive without her.”
I let out a humorless laugh and suck in a deep breath. “I have to try.”
“We all get it. We just know how much this will hurt you both.”
“I know.”
I’m even further surprised when he puts his hand on my shoulder. “You’re my brother. I love you, but Liv is going to get me in this divorce.”
“I know that, too.”
He squeezes, then stands. “I’ll see you at your funeral.”
How right he is.
Chapter 2
Liv
I say goodbye to Susan and close the laptop. Talking to her is helping. Everyone is meeting up at John’s for a barbeque soon. Luke is meeting us here later since he had a late meeting with Reilly Tech. The past few months he’s grown distant again, and the unease returned. But the way he made love to me last night gives me hope we can return to a sense of normal. I want nothing more than to put everything behind us and move forward.
I grin as I recall the way he worshipped me last night. My body tingles at the memory. I’m hopeful for a repeat tonight, though I doubt it will be hard to convince him.
I find John on the pool deck, manning the grill while Jordy, Vera, and Skye chat with him from the table nearby. Skye continues with her hopeless flirtations, but John is polite and firm with his refusal to date her, no matter how many times she asks. I open the sliding screen door and they greet me. Vera hands me a hard seltzer and Skye smiles, but she seems more reserved than usual.
Jordy hugs me, but he’s subdued, which is saying a lot for the quiet guy. Mark appears with a smile, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes. Weird.
A hefty rumbling engine pulls up outside, signaling Jackson’s arrival. I open the front door to greet them and wait on the small porch. Brando and Dylan hop out of the cab of the truck. I haven’t seen Jackson in a few days. “Why have you been avoiding me?” I meet his eyes for half a second and they’re filled with sorrow. My smile fades.
“Sorry, just got busy.” He drops a kiss on top of my head as he passes and heads inside. I turn to Brando, whose smile is genuine, if a little sad.
