Debt of Honor: A Rough Romance, page 17
Whether or not this was a good idea remained to be seen, but I was hopeful being here would buy us some time. When I heard him returning, I shifted to face him.
As he walked back into the kitchen, he had a sheepish look on his face. “She’s somethin’.”
“She’s my mark.”
“Uh-huh. Are you certain that’s all it is?”
“I’m doing my job. And I’m curious what the hell you’re doing?”
He retrieved his drink, the same damn smug look on his face. “Are you gonna tell me about this mission you’re on and who you’re working for?”
“I can’t do that.”
“And neither can I.” He had a more serious look on his face.
“Then I guess there’s a line in the sand.”
He looked away, taking a few deep breaths. “Russians, huh? That’s bad news, buddy, no matter what you’re involved in. They’re animals. Just know that you can count on me to help in any way. You’re about the only friend I have left.”
There were several ways to take his words, but I knew what he meant. He’d considered the loss of our team in Afghanistan akin to losing family members. He would likely never get over it.
“I trust you, buddy. I just hope you’re not in over your head.”
He poured another shot of whiskey, walking the bottle in my direction, refilling mine. “You only live once, Cobra. I plan on going out the way I want. In style. I like her. She’s exactly what you need.”
“Stop playing the matchmaker, dude. I’m not interested.”
“Uh-huh. I’ve heard that kind of shit before. Come on. Let me show you the communications room.”
“Were you able to find out anything?”
“A few things, but you had me working on saving your sorry ass.”
I followed him up a set of stairs to one of the half dozen rooms, impressed the moment I walked inside.
“As you can see,” he started, “I can be connected with several different parties and countries at the same time.”
“This isn’t just about you, is it?”
Shrugging, he moved to one of the chairs, sitting down. “Sofia has certain connections of her own given her family history. I really can’t tell you more than that.”
“Let me guess. You’re a hired gun.”
His grin allowed me to know I was right. “I thought I’d use my weapons expertise wisely. The gig pays well, and I don’t have to worry about living expenses for most of the year. Don’t ask me about my clients because you wouldn’t like the answer.”
A mercenary. That made sense.
“Fair enough. What did you find on Dane Shepherd?”
“From what I can tell, and I seriously only had time to do a minimal dive, he’s clean as a whistle. Worked for the Secret Service right out of college. After he left them, he was acquired by the CIA where he’s been ever since.”
“Any large bank accounts?”
“You really think he’s dirty, don’t you?” he asked.
“He has a reason to be.”
“I guess he does since Isabella’s father is slated to win that election in a landslide. He’s not well liked internationally though.”
“Yeah, so I’ve heard.”
His face lit up. “You don’t trust him either.”
“Trust is given only in certain circumstances.”
“Yep. Same old Jagger Stone. Does your ‘mark’ know your background?”
“Only that I was captured.”
“Hmm…” Jeremy tapped his fingers on the surface of the desk. “You’ve never gotten over it.”
“I told you already, not interested in going down memory lane.”
“I get it. Look, if you want me to help you, you’re going to need to supply some additional information. You can hide out here for as long as you want, but if the bad guys come calling, I need to know why in order to determine how best to help you.”
I studied him intently. “The Russians want her, alive not dead.”
“That much was already established. For what? To extort money out of the VP? Is this about ransom?”
“No.”
He narrowed his eyes, sliding onto the edge of the chair. “I’m going to venture a guess. She’s a scientist. I checked her record. Although most of it has been sealed, I was able to find out what she’s working on from a white paper she wrote almost two years ago. The footprint wasn’t removed from the internet. Nuclear fission. We’re talking warheads, aren’t we?”
I stared into my glass. “Potentially.”
“Shit. This is bad. Did she not understand what she was doing?”
After tossing back the remainder in my glass, I shook my head. “Her discovery is for use in medicine. If her findings are correct, she’ll come close to closing the chapter on several vile diseases.”
“Well, then I guess we need to keep her alive at all costs.”
“Yes, we do. I need to ask you. Is there anyone other than Sofia who knows you’re staying here?”
He eyed me carefully. “If you’re asking if my name is on the lease, no. My identity is safe. Even the phone number you called me on has been blocked.”
“Is she trustworthy?”
“Without question. She’s not our problem. I don’t think anyone will make a connection to our past if that’s what you’re concerned about.”
“I have to look at everything.”
“I get it.”
“Where did you get the guns?”
Jeremy cocked his head. “We’ll leave it that I have my sources just like I’m certain you do. Is this organization you work for trustworthy or are you on a suicide mission?”
His question was valid. “I’m protected.” I’d need to attempt to contact the handler at some point, but right now, I needed time to process everything.
“Ah. The government. I knew you wouldn’t stray far. Let me show you how the security system works.”
The conversation was headed down a rocky road that neither one of us would handle well. I inched closer, allowing him to explain the system.
When he was finished, he swiveled around in his chair. “Do you want me to go on the dark web and sniff around?”
I thought about his offer. “You have the IP address secured?”
“What do I look like, an amateur? Of course I do. I’ll do that later tonight when they’re most active. You’d be surprised what secrets are told in the middle of the night, including the Russians.”
“Since when did you learn the language?”
The shimmer in his eyes was another indication I didn’t know him as well as I thought I did.
“I like to improve my skills, but I can tell you do as well. I’m going to give you a couple pieces of advice. Take it or leave it.”
Chuckling, I could remember dozens of times his advice had nearly gotten us into trouble. “I’m not certain I want to hear this.”
His expression turned serious. “You’re setting yourself up for another fall.”
“No, I’m not. This is a job.”
He waved his hand. “You can call it what you want. Either go all in with this woman or shut it down right now. But if you go all in, just know that if anything happens to her, you’ll end up tearing the world apart exacting revenge on anyone who might possibly be involved. Then you’ll destroy yourself.”
I clenched my jaw, gritting my teeth. While I appreciated his sudden interest in my welfare, I could handle my own shit. “What else?”
“Think about your decision carefully. You’re not the same man you were prior to being captured. You never will be. That pain I see is already starting to eat you alive. That woman might be your salvation. As long as you can handle the price.”
“Like I told you before, stop being a matchmaker.”
“I guess we’ll see. I have some other business to take care of outside the house. I know a place we could have dinner that’s off the beaten track. Only locals know of its existence.”
I thought about his offer. “Maybe.”
“In the meantime, make yourself at home, including inside this room. Everything is secure so you don’t need to worry.” As he stood, walking toward me, I could tell he had a hell of lot more to say. There was an awkwardness between us I hadn’t felt before, even after my rescue. Our lives had taken different paths.
I was on the right side of the law.
He’d shifted to the other.
As he walked out of the room, all I could think about was how thin the line was between them.
CHAPTER 12
Isabella
I stared at my reflection, twisting and turning in the light, noticing how it refracted off the long strands. I looked entirely different than any disguise I’d ever worn. While I wasn’t certain it suited me, at least I didn’t fear the cheap wig falling off at the wrong time.
As I took a step away, I smoothed down the material from the dress Jeremy had provided. It was festive, stunning on me when I’d never been prone to wearing bright colors, except when I was pretending to be someone else.
Was this any different? I was still playing a game, only one where we could end up dead. I couldn’t stop trembling from the ordeal in the airport, although being here in a small castle seemed safer than anywhere else in the world. I only hoped it really was.
I’d found makeup belonging to the woman who lived here, helping myself. I’d felt filthy from everything we’d endured, spending a full half hour to scrub my skin until it felt raw. At least tonight I could be one of the women in the three different passports. Jeremy had chosen Margarita.
Satisfied, I wanted another glass of wine and a few minutes outside even if it was chilly. I didn’t care. Fresh air would do me some good. I returned to the bedroom, marveling at the beautifully crafted furniture meant for a queen. Sofia had incredible tastes in clothing and furniture. Yet I felt like an intruder rifling through her things.
Pretend.
As I walked out of the room, I reminded myself that’s all I was doing over and over again. Maybe that would help me stay rational. If there was such a thing.
I headed down the stairs, hearing nothing at first. I could swear there was music coming from somewhere in the house. I followed the trail through the kitchen, refreshing my wine before continuing my exploration of the house.
Then I noticed Cobra standing in the doorway in the living room, staring out at the ocean. He’d showered and changed, now wearing trousers and a long-sleeved shirt. For a rough man, he looked elegant, but the soft material was unable to hide his muscular physique. The music fit the moment perfectly, the acoustic guitar creating a reflective mood. As I took another step, my nipples shifted back and forth across the thin material of the dress, creating wave after wave of desire.
The man had no idea how gorgeous he was. He also had no understanding of what he meant to me. The kiss on the airplane had been full of passion, the jolt of strength I’d gotten from just being in his arms allowing me peace. But the moment didn’t last as this one wouldn’t either. We were in a glass house waiting for pebbles to be thrown, the actions shattering both our lives.
I stood where I was for a full minute admiring the man. I’d cleaned the blood from his face on the plane, insisting on doing it for him. He’d never blinked once when I was wiping the substance away, the heat of his body more combustible than ever before. It had been a strange, almost intimate moment, a further acknowledgment of the danger we were in.
As I walked closer, he tensed, slowly turning in my direction. I’d seen several expressions on his face during the last few days from fury to frustration, concern to desire. The look he gave me was indescribable.
He allowed his gaze to fall very slowly all the way down to the shoes I’d been provided, taking several ragged breaths as he returned his eyes to mine.
I couldn’t tell whether he was pleased or angry with my choices. I flicked a long strand, suddenly embarrassed even though I had no reason to be. “Red.”
“Different.”
“Which means you don’t like it.”
“It doesn’t matter whether I like it or not, Isabella. What matters is whether it will help keep you safe.”
He was right, the reminder that this wasn’t a vacation, or a wondrous time spent together. This was war. “Understood. I can change if you think that’s necessary. Sofia has several scarves. It’s cold outside so it won’t look strange. I’ll just go get one.” I was jabbering out of nervousness and if I had to admit to myself, a ridiculous feeling of being hurt. After everything we’d been through, I was still hoping for some kind of approval from a man who hadn’t said his name out loud?
I turned around quickly, chastising myself for my thoughts all the way around.
He grabbed me by the arm, yanking me around to face him, the force enough I almost dropped the glass. I expected another round of frustration in his eyes or even worse, but he cupped my neck, using his thumb to lift my chin. “Don’t do that, Isabella. Don’t run away from me. I’m not some romantic interlude.”
“I know that.”
“However, I am a man who appreciates beauty. I don’t give a shit what color your damn hair is, or if you’re wearing a gorgeous dress or a flannel shirt and nothing else. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. The moment that man almost found you, I lost my shit. He paid for terrorizing you. No one will ever hurt you again.”
His eyes were even more imploring, his chest heaving. I place my hand on his heart, my fingers tingling from the hard thumps of the muscle. “I know this is wrong, but I don’t care any longer. I want to feel alive again, if only for this moment. Don’t hate me for it.”
“I could never hate you for anything.” He lowered his head, brushing his lips across mine.
I crushed my fingers around the material of his shirt, rising onto my tiptoes. The scent of him rushed into my system, heating my core. I was tingling all over, my legs trembling. He held me in position, teasing my tongue with his, his husky growls adding to the burning desire that continued to build with each passing second. If only we were alone for several days, sharing in the joys of passion instead of hiding in the throes of fear.
While we could pretend for a little while, reality would soon set in. Whatever our future held, I doubted we’d ever feel as if we could indulge in moments of passion. It was a gut feeling, a sense of urgency as well as dread. I had to place my trust in a man I barely knew, yet in not knowing him, there was tremendous excitement. While I knew my thinking was warped, our connection was so strong he took my breath away.
He captured my mouth, remaining still for almost a full minute. As he allowed his lips to tease mine, darting his tongue just inside, a sense of euphoria rushed into my system. I was light as a feather, vibrant stars floating in front of my eyes. He slid his hand down my back ever so slowly, taking his time to caress my bottom before drawing the material of my dress up by several inches. When he cupped my buttocks, I moaned into the kiss, tangling my fingers in his hair.
His hunger increased, his tongue exploring every inch of my mouth, his tongue dominating mine. My nipples ached, swollen and rock hard, the friction of the soft material floating back and forth keeping them fully aroused. The combined scent of our desire wafted between us, electricity rocking every cell and muscle.
The kiss was powerful, his control more intense as every second passed. He lifted me off my feet completely, turning us in a full circle. Every sound he made was animalistic and as he crushed my body against his, my heart hammered in my chest, my pulse increasing. I was lightheaded, barely able to breathe. I didn’t care. Just being in his arms was so special, shoving the fear aside.
When he finally broke the moment of intimacy, he nipped my lower lip, every growl and husky sound he made rumbling in my ears. As he dragged his tongue down the length of my neck, I shuddered, no longer able to feel my legs. After licking the base of my ear, he whispered all the dirty things he would do to me.
“I’m going to feast on your pretty pink pussy, driving you into climax after climax. Then I’m going to lick every inch of your body, sucking on your beautiful nipples. When I’m finished, I’m going to thrust every inch of my cock deep inside your tight little channel, fucking you hard and fast. After that, I’m going to drive my cock deep inside your dark hole. Is that what you want, princess?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Do you want it hard or soft?”
“Rough. I want you to fuck me like you’ve never fucked anyone else in your life.”
He pulled away, his hooded eyes reflecting the darkness in his mind. “Then so be it.” He grabbed me by the hand, taking long strides as he led me out of the room, racing up the stairs and into the bedroom I wasn’t certain we were sharing. When he slammed the door, he remained standing several feet away, his chest heaving. There was a wildness to him I hadn’t seen before, a ravenous beast hungry for his prey.
I watched as he placed a handgun on the dresser and that forced a lump in my throat. It was a reminder that nothing was normal or should be taken for granted. I twisted the ring on my finger, hating what it represented but there was a small feeling of comfort just knowing he could track me if something happened. He put his glass on the dresser then retrieved the wine, his chest heaving from his labored breathing.
“Take off your clothes,” he commanded, his voice no longer recognizable.
“What about the drive?”
He lifted his head, thinking about my question. “Stay right there. Do not move.”
As he left the room, I pulled the drive from my pocket, fingering the smooth red casing, staring at it as my thoughts drifted to far too many what-ifs. I wished I could go back, fixating on another discovery. If only I’d realized how much harm could come from what I’d hoped was a lifesaving breakthrough.
Cobra returned only a couple of minutes later. In his hand was a roll of duct tape. I laughed nervously, trying to figure out his plans.
“Give it to me.” He walked closer, holding out his hand. His eyes were imploring, once again asking me to trust him.
