Cobra (Blue Angel Security Book 1), page 35
“Yeah, I’ve heard about your fifteen minutes from Cobra. We both know that isn’t happening.”
Ten minutes later, I come strolling down the stairs to a surprised Shadow. “Well damn, I don’t know what Cobra’s problem is. That was quick.”
“His problem is that when he wants to go somewhere, he is always distracting me. It’s really his fault that it takes me longer than fifteen minutes to get ready to leave.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” he tells me while leading us out to his truck. “Where are we meeting this infamous Alex?”
“We’re meeting her at Cups and Cakes. I like the feeling of that old timey restaurant and they make the best apple turnovers.”
“Okay, up you go princess,” he teases me as he closes my door.
“Princess? If this is your idea of a horse-drawn carriage, we need to have you spend more time with Emma. She’ll teach you how a princess gets treated.”
“Nah, I’m good. Besides sometimes the princess is too much work. Give me a prince any day.”
“Something you want to tell me, Shadow?” I ask him cautiously.
“I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out yet. Shortstack, I’m gay. As beautiful as some of you women are, honestly, you don’t do a damn thing for me.”
“Does anyone else know?” I ask him as we pull out into traffic.
“I believe they all probably suspect it, but no, no one but you actually knows. It’s something I haven’t broadcasted to the public. I’m not sure how they’d handle it, and honestly, I’m not sure I’m ready to face the judgment from all my friends.”
“Shadow, they all love you. We all do. I’m sure they will handle it better than you think they will. Especially since as long as I’ve known you, you’ve never even had a single date. Like you said, I’m sure they already suspect it.”
Leaving him to those final thoughts, I pull out my tablet, making sure I address all the points Alex and I need to go over this morning. Ten minutes later, we pull up to the curb.
“Okay, Shortstack, let’s do this. Like I’m sure you’ve gone through with Cobra, I’m coming in with you. The choice you have is do you want me to sit close by or with you?”
“Can you sit close to me? Like the next booth so you can see me, but if something happens you can grab me quick too?” My anxiety is rearing it’s head. I’ve never been the best at meeting new people, but now, under the fear surrounding my every move? It’s so much worse.
“Of course. Hey, don’t worry. Nothing is going to happen to you, not on my watch. And besides, weren’t you just telling me a few minutes ago how excited you were to finally meet her?”
“Yes, but now I’m having second thoughts about that, too. I think the whole thing with Damon is starting to screw with my head.”
“You’re gonna be fine, and who knows, maybe you’ll make a new friend today.”
Shadow opens the door for me as we walk into the tiny cafe. Two older gentlemen sit at the bar together, talking animately amongst themselves, but other than that, it’s quiet in here. He selects two booths toward the back of the cafe and we sit down facing each other with a single booth in between us.
“I’m gonna drink my coffee and scroll endlessly on my phone. Just ignore me, I’m not really here,” he winks, raising the cup the waitress dropped off to him.
A few minutes later, a woman walks in and subtly Shadow nods to me, indicating this very well could be the woman we’re waiting for. Seconds later, she stops at my booth. “Ms. Storm, I presume?” she asks me politely.
“Ms. Alexander?” I respond in kind to her.
“Yes, but please call me Alex like we agreed upon weeks ago. I hate my given name. My parents chose the most awful family name,” she laughs and immediately my nerves settle. I motion for her to join me.
“Please, call me Jaycee,” I tell her as she sits down with her laptop.
“Shall we?” I ask her.
“Let’s order a hot beverage and an apple turnover first. I just love them, and it’s been far too long since I’ve been able to have one.” After ordering our pastries and coffees, Alex and I set out to work on her designs and her visions for her website. I must say it is truly refreshing to be working with someone who at least has a vague idea of how technology works and knows exactly what they want for their business.
The next couple of hours flew by, between talking about her ideas for her page, the afternoon escaped us very quickly. A few times Shadow would text me and tell me they were changing members, as to not to alarm her. I’m not sure who all came in to ‘stand watch’ but it was never the same man twice.
Suddenly, I get a ping from my man.
Whiskey: Shadow will be coming through the door in about two minutes to get ‘his’ girl for your date. Get ready.
I smile and look over at Alex who’s scowling, but before I can ask her anything, she slips her mask back in place. “Forgive me, Jaycee. It’s just been a long time since I’ve smiled the way you just did. Whoever it is, must be someone very special. I haven’t had any luck in that department, most of the men I’ve dated have turned out to be total creeps.”
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable. As you already figured out that was my boyfriend. He should be here in a few minutes to pick me up.”
“Of course, I completely understand. I’d like to schedule another meeting next week, if that’s okay?”
“Absolutely. Here again?”
“Yes. I adore their pastries. I’ll be in touch,” she tells me standing as the door jingles and Shadow walks in.
“That’s your man?” she asks, watching Shadow approach us.
“Sure is,” I say, not liking the way that lie feels crossing my lips. But I know there’s a reason why Whiskey handled it this way.
“He’s not what I was expecting,” she laughs, picking up her laptop bag. “We’ll be in touch, Jaycee,” she says, walking past Shadow.
“You ready, Shortstack?” Once we’re both in the truck, I face Shadow.
“Where’s Whiskey? And why did he have me lie to Alex?”
“He’s at home waiting for you and in a mood from hell. As far as the cover story that was Jackal’s idea. He usually tries to keep the main players under wraps for as long as he can. And since we truly have no idea who the players in this game are yet, he’s trying to be cautious.”
“Jackal doesn’t think Alex is a risk to me, does he?”
“Not that I know of, Shortstack. This is very typical of how we operate. Just being safe. Now let’s get you home to your man before he flips a gasket.”
A short time later, we pull back into Whiskey’s drive and he walks over helping me out of Shadow’s truck. “I missed you today,” he says grabbing my computer bag.
“I missed you, too.”
“Well, lovebirds, I’m out of here. Have fun tonight,” Shadow says, backing out of the driveway.
“Baby?” Luca says poking his head out the back door where I’m playing with Nyx. “It looks like it may rain tonight. I’m thinking we’ll take my SUV instead of the bike.”
“Sounds good. I hate riding a bike in wet clothes. It’s definitely not my cup of tea. Do you still want to leave in a couple of hours?”
“We should. The restaurant is an hour away, so it’ll give us plenty of time to get there.”
“Perfect. I’m going to shower and then find something decent to wear for tonight,” I tease him as I walk upstairs.
“You want help? I’m sure I can find something for you to wear.”
Not being able to resist sassing him, “Something for other men to see me in?”
“Fuck no. I wonder if the farmer’s market still uses burlap bags for their produce. I’ll go buy one of those for you.”
“Ha, funny man. See you in a while. Love you, Luca,” I tell him, blowing a kiss as I leave him to his wandering thoughts, no doubt.
Filling the tub, I settle in for a long soak. Tonight, I’m feeling the desire to get all dressed up for my man. Lately our dates have consisted of our bikes and long drives. As much as I love our bikes, I’m looking forward to watching Luca’s hungry gaze when he sees me. Thoughts of tonight keep my mind busy way too long, and before I know it, the timer I set when I climbed in the tub sounds. I climb out, wrapping the towel around myself as I head to my closet to choose an outfit sure to Whiskey a heart attack.
“Tiger… we need to leave in twenty minutes,” he hollers up to me just as I strap my heels on.
“On my way,” I say, approaching the stairs. As I look over the bannister, I see him playing with Nyx. With one last toss of the toy to Nyx, he turns around waiting for me. I step off the final stair, hearing a low whistle.
“Wow. You look gorgeous. Stunning. What happened to the jeans you took out this morning for tonight? Not that I’m objecting,” he says, raking his eyes up my body.
“Maybe I wanted to get all dolled up for my man,” I say coyly.
“Baby, you could wear a pair of those holey jeans you swear are the latest trend and still be stunning to me.”
“Oh, so I should change?”
“Hell, fucking no. When this dress comes off tonight, it’ll be by my teeth dragging that zipper down. Although, whoever designed it should be shot. Doesn’t he realize the best part of these dresses is a man being able to kiss his sweetheart’s neck as he zips it up?”
“I’ll note that for next time,” I sass him, walking to the closet to grab my clutch.
“Alright,” he groans. “Let’s go before I change my mind and take you back upstairs.”
40
COBRA
The closer Dalton and Bryant’s possible re-trial date gets, the more on edge I’m becoming and it’s as clear as night and day that Jaycee can tell the difference. Last night everything was great. I felt like me, and then this morning Jackal called and told me Hawk’s off-shore account, that no one is supposed to know about, received a sizable deposit late last night. Now the whole agency is on standby in regard to Jaycee.
To make matters worse, I can’t stop the overwhelming onslaught of fears running on a constant loop in my brain. I keep bouncing in and out of the office checking on her. This is insane. I need to find something productive to do before I drive both of us nuts.
“Baby,” I say, walking into the office, again.
“Yes, Whiskey?” she says not taking her eyes off her monitor.
“I’m heading up to the gym, I need to—”
“Burn off some steam?” she grins. “Go ahead. I’m fine. I know this is eating at you, too. I’m not going anywhere, other than our yard. Kylee should be here soon.”
When I come back down, I find Kylee and Jaycee sitting out on the back step each with a glass of wine nearby. I smile seeing them together. This is what she needs. At least here we can keep her and anyone else safe. Just as I’m stepping away to give them some girl time I hear Jaycee’s voice crack.
“I don’t Kylee. How much more can he really handle? You should see him. He’s so stressed with worry. I hate seeing him like this.”
She’s worried about me? It’s her life that’s at risk.
“And what about you, Jaycee? How are you handling this?”
Yeah, Tiger? How are you? For real, how are you?
“Me? I guess about as well as I can. I know everyone will keep me as safe as possible. I just wish it was over. If I had it my way, I’d hire a hit man and get rid of my problems, permanently. I’m tired of looking over my shoulder. I want my life back. And not the one I pretended to live for years, a real one. I want to be able to go out and have a girls’ night without all the guys surrounding us, I want to take an exotic vacation with Luca, maybe have him be my personal cabana boy. I want to get married and start a family, no matter how that may look. I guess I just want to be normal again,” Jaycee says, leaning on Kylee’s shoulder.
No, baby. No hitmen. Nice idea, though.
With enough information to satisfy me for now, I quietly step away from the door. Apparently just in time as I hear a car door slam. I cross the kitchen to the living room, opening the door for our guests. As soon as they walk inside I motion to Elle and Raelyn that Jaycee is out back already. Elle quickly passes by me, leaving Raelyn alone with me.
“What’s going on Luca? Tell me, am I going to go out and have to comfort your crying girl, or is this a let’s just shoot him and ask questions later, type of girl talk?”
“Neither. I think she’s just at her breaking point. She’s tired of not being able to live her life on her terms. And she’s worried about me. God, she’s too perfect.”
“So what can we do help her? Or for that matter you? By the sounds of it you both need to take a deep breath.”
“Just go outside and be with her. I’m sure we’ve got a few more bottles of wine floating around here. I really think all she needs is someone to talk to.”
“Sounds like you both do. Maybe you should call someone from your team. If I can suggest someone invite Jackal. He seems like the only one who will give it to you straight, if you’re screwing up.”
“Oh, that he will do. Hands down. Anyway go visit with the girls, I’m going to take you up on your suggestion and call Jackal.”
Two cold slices of pizza and a beer later, he ribs me. “So tell me this, Cobra. Was breaking Gannon’s rule and falling in love with a client worth it?”
“Without a doubt. I’d swim through Hades’ river of lost souls to keep that woman safe. Even if at times we both drive each other bat-shit crazy, she’s mine and I love her.”
“Good, that is exactly what she needs right now. Someone will fight to the ends of the earth for her. I also think she is what you need to finally let yourself be happy. She’s going to be fine, because there’s no way in hell you’ll accept another outcome.”
“I hope you’re right, Jackal.”
“Me too,” he gently cringes. “So, when does her friend’s boyfriend return?”
“A few more days. They are certainly excited. I’m not sure which part they are more excited over, the party or having Clayton home. Liam is over the moon that Clayton will finally be back, and they can take the next step.”
“Okay, well this might work out better than I had originally planned. Like I told you a few weeks ago, Gannon has been in close contact with someone he knows in California. This contact wants to meet with Gannon late next week. Gannon has asked me to choose someone who would guard Jaycee’s secret with their life. Since you already know more than the rest of us, I was thinking maybe you and Shadow should be the ones to make that trip.”
“And who is going to be here to protect her?”
“Well, it just so happens that Rayne overheard this conversation with Gannon and had a suggestion for us.”
“Listen, Jackal I don’t care how qualified Rayne thinks she is with self-defense, she is not guarding or protecting Jaycee.”
“No, jackass she’s not. The woman may drive me absolutely crazy at times, but hell no, she is not endangering herself in order to save someone else.” Glaring at me, he slowly clears those thoughts and begins to focus on me and Jaycee. “She suggested we let the girls have a few days by themselves. Phoenix can go with them and make sure things stay on the up and up.”
“Jackal, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. Not with everything that’s going on right now. She will be a walking target if the wrong people find out she is unprotected. Not to mention he hasn’t even met the team, yet.”
“First, Gannon wouldn’t have hired him if he wasn’t as good as he says he is. I’m sure he’ll fit in just fine. He’ll be here just in time for Clayton’s welcome home party. Let’s just see how it goes. All I know is with the way things are going at BA’s we need him. It’s only a matter of time before we’re down a man.”
“I know. But this is still Jaycee’s safety we’re talking about.”
“Cobra, you aren’t listening to me. She won’t be unprotected. She’d be with Phoenix, and he is more than capable of taking care of a few women.”
“Okay, let me talk to Jaycee and see what she thinks of all this.”
Later that night, when Jaycee and I are in bed together, I finally have the chance to explain a portion of what Jackal and I had discussed earlier. “What do you think, Tiger? Is that something you’d be interested in?”
“You’d really be okay with someone else besides you keeping me safe?”
“I don’t really like the idea, but it’ll work and Phoenix is a great guy. He won’t let anything happen to my girl while I’m away.”
“Thank you, Whiskey. The girls are gonna flip that we can finally have our infamous girls’ weekend away that we’ve been talking about having for months.”
Jaycee
The last week has been a whirlwind of activity. Clayton is slowly making his way home. He should have been home two days ago, but as usual, if it could go wrong, it has. Liam is so frustrated, he’s ready to choke Uncle Sam himself. All I know is that if the man doesn’t stop stomping around this house like a prima donna, I may throttle him myself.
Disconnecting his call once again, he growls. “He still isn’t answering his damn phone. I don’t know if he’s state-side yet or not. Hell, for all I know, his phone is still deader than a doornail. What the fuck! How son of a bitching hard is it to text or call your family and let us know you’re safe and back on American soil? I just need to know.” Suddenly, his phone pings and judging by the smile broadcasting across Liam’s face, I know it’s finally Clayton.
Clayton: I’m home baby. Well, at least on American soil again. We have to debrief and then they are putting us in housing tonight. We’ll all be able to fly home tomorrow to our families. See you soon. I love you and miss the fuck out of you.
“He’s home. He’s safe,” Liam tells us as he lets the weeks of stress and worry go. Holding on to me, he cries tears of relief and joy. “I can’t believe it’s over. Never again.”
“Never again. You did it, Liam. Ten years of always wondering and worrying whether he’d make it home safe to you. He survived it and now my two best friends are getting married. I’m so happy for you both.”
