We are followed into the grand living area by three of his most trusted guards. Harrison goes nowhere alone. He has too many enemies. It is difficult for me to escape from the guards sights, but I must do so at least once a week. Harrison seems to find it touching that I enjoy spending time in the greenhouse among his exotic flowers. He is becoming accustomed to it, and is giving in to my need for privacy. What can I possibly be doing against him in a greenhouse, after all?
Harrison’s supposed friend arrives shortly after I’m brought to the living area. I’m surprised that the meeting is to be held here rather than an office. It is an unprecedented move on Harrison’s part. This friend isn’t the typical kind that I’ve seen with Harrison either. He’s rougher in appearance, carries weapons in plain sight, and brings to mind a thug instead of a businessman.
His gaze rakes me over, and a lecherous grin rises to his face. He actually licks his lips, and asks, “How much for the woman?”
I’m shocked by his blatant question, and even more so by Harrison’s reply. “We’ll see after we finish our other deal.”
No! He can’t mean to sell me to this man. Harrison wouldn’t do that. I tense up, and begin to shake. Harrison casually reaches behind me as if to embrace me. But, that isn’t his intention. He pinches me hard at my waist. I get the unspoken message, and turn on the charm.
“Would you care for a drink?” I ask the stranger with a charming smile.
I feel his eyes follow me as I get him a scotch. I make sure I bend down as I hand him a drink, and let him see as much of my breasts as the dress allows. He reaches up to touch my cleavage, but I can’t stand the thought of his fat, greasy fingers against my skin, so I’ll pull back just in time.
Harrison motions for me to sit on the arm of his chair, and I receive a harder pinch that will blacken in moments. He rubs a hand over my leg, reminding me to cross and uncross them in order to give his friend a glimpse of my crotch. I know I must obey, or chance being passed to this friend.
Every word that is said is being catalogued in my brain to pass on to my bosses. When refreshments are brought in I am stunned to see that Albert, the butler, has been replaced by another man.
“Oh dear! Is Albert sick? Should I check on him?” I burst out without thinking.
“Albert is no longer with us,” Harrison casually replies. “He was terminated for snooping through my office.”
My stomach protests, and my heart stops beating as it hits the wall of my chest. It’s clear that Albert wasn’t fired. He was actually terminated, as in killed, for his trespasses. It’s my fault. He was looking for information for me.
“Please,” I manage to stammer. “May I be excused.”
“Go to your flowers, my sweet. We will finish up here, and you may return in one hour. No later. Do you understand?”
I do, and I won’t disobey. I rush out, and stumble my way to the greenhouse. A guard follows, but doesn’t come inside. I fall to the floor, and weep. I can’t let myself cry for very long. I have to communicate with my boss, and Harrison hasn’t given me much time.
There’s a message marked urgent on the burner phone, and I read it first. They are sending in another undercover person. His name is Adam Duvane, though I know the last name is an alias just as mine is. We keep our first names so that we don’t screw up by not answering when we are called. Adam is arriving today. I won’t be alone. But, he’s not CIA, or a cop. He’s a criminal.
I make my report, and rush back to Harrison. I barely make it in time. The friend is gone, and I’m relieved. Then, I see we aren’t alone. There’s an absolutely gorgeous man standing by the fireplace. He’s tall, muscular, blue eyed, with blonde hair. He could pass for Adonis. As he moves to greet me, I see tattoos peeking out at his neck and wrists. I’m intrigued, and slightly turned on.
“Hello, I’m Adam Duvane. I’m told you are Kelsey Foster,” he says in a sexy voice. I almost protest, and proclaim myself to be Kelsey Chandler, but I catch myself in time. To Harrison, I am a Foster, and it’s best for all of us if I don’t forget it.
Chapter Four
Adam
I’m terrified as I’m admitted to the huge mansion. This man has more money than I’ll see in a lifetime. He can buy and sell anything he pleases. He murders without remorse, and doesn’t care who knows it. This is dangerous beyond my imagination. Yet, my adrenaline rises to new heights, and I feed on the thrill; the idea that I could die if I screw this up gives me a high I’ve never felt.
Harrison Langley, the mob boss, is there to greet me. He squeezes my hand hard as we shake, and I recognize the warning.
He makes sure I understand by saying, “You’re here on a trial basis, Mr. Duvane. You have a lot to prove, and I swear I’ll see that you do so. Your track record says you are willing to do whatever is asked of you, and I will be using your talents liberally. However, if I see anything that concerns me, you will become expendable. Is that clear enough?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I say without stuttering.
I don’t like this man, and his money suddenly means nothing to me. I want him taken down, and I’m just the man to do it. His arrogant expression angers me beyond measure. He looks at me as if I’m dog shit on his fancy shoes. I don’t tolerate that kind of attitude.
We hear the click-clack of heels on the marble floor of the hallway. We turn in unison as a woman steps through the door. It’s difficult to control my hormones when I see her for the first time. She’s the sexiest woman I’ve ever come into contact with.
Her long, blonde hair hangs in waves over her shoulders. Her dress is glued to her hourglass curves, and ends far short of her knees. Long, slim legs show beneath the scanty dress, and her breasts are barely restrained. Blue eyes widen as she finally sees me. Her red lips part slightly, and I harden in my pants.
I know I’m making an error that could cost me my life, but I step toward her without permission, and introduce myself.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Duvane. Are you a friend of Harrison’s?” she practically whispers.
“No, darling. He’s a new hire. He’s to take Jeremiah’s place. You remember we lost him recently?” Harrison reminds me.
“Yes, we lost Jeremiah. I remember it perfectly. After all, he was shot by a rival boss’s man right outside my car window, and his head splattered all over the glass. I shudder at the picture that never goes away,” Kelsey answers, though I can tell she knows it will anger Harrison.
“Well, so be careful, then, Mr. Duvane. We wouldn’t wish to lose you, too,” she says to me.
“You’re looking a bit tired, Kelsey. Go up to your room, and rest for a while. I need to speak to Mr. Duvane about his duties, and that would just upset you I’m afraid.”
The words and the tone don’t match. The mob boss is very angry, and Kelsey will pay for her sudden outburst. I’m sorry for her, but there’s nothing I can do to help her. Maybe, later I can find a way to protect her. She seems to bring out a protective vibe in me that I didn’t know existed. I want her, as I’ve never wanted another woman. I want her under me, beside me, and much more. It’s strange to feel this way.
***
The deserted parking garage echoes as we drive the vehicles inside. All of the cars have bullet proof bodies, and glass, but they won’t stop some of the heavier weaponry that the crime families have at their disposal.
Harrison sent me on this mission to prove myself. I’ll do what must be done, though I don’t have to like it.
Our three cars make half a circle, and those of our opponents finish it. We all step out of the vehicles carrying guns, and knives just in case there’s trouble. And, I can already tell there will be.
My equal on the other side of the circle, has an itchy trigger finger, and I’m certain he’s high. His boss wouldn’t approve, and probably already knows about it. That’s why he’s sent one of his main men to do a simple drug exchange. He wants the man erased.
“I don’t have time for any shit. So, let�
��s get this transaction done,” I announce in order to get the upper hand. “Show me the cash, and I’ll show you the product.”
“You’re not getting anything until we test the product,” the zoned out man argues.
“It seems you’ve already tested enough product today. Besides, you’re making a huge mistake by saying Mr. Langley isn’t trustworthy. You can die for that, and I’ll be more than happy to do the deed,” I reply.
“What are you? A fool? A cocksucker? I don’t play well with the likes of you. Give me the shit, or there will be trouble you can’t deal with,” he answers with a swagger toward me.
“Stop moving, boy, or my gun is going to blow off your ugly face. Of course, you’d be too high to feel the pain, but I don’t really care. You’re not in charge. This is my deal. Show me the cash!” I shout.
“You’ll look pretty lying in a coffin. I’ll make sure I shoot you somewhere other than that pretty face, so your girl can grieve over you without vomiting. Give me the cocaine, or I’ll start shooting.”
He is stupid enough to raise his gun, and fire at the concrete near my feet. The bullet ricochets, and hits one of my men in the leg. I’ve had enough of his nonsense, and have to show the other mob families that I don’t take crap from anyone.
I shoot him in the face, just as I’ve promised. All guns are drawn as he slumps to the floor, and his tissue and blood splatter over his men.
“Care for more of you to die?” I ask calmly, although I’m sick inside. “Give me the money, and take your product. Clean up this mess. He belongs to you. Tell your boss it was a good kill. This man was high, and he’s probably been stealing product from him for years. I would imagine he’s taken some money as well.”
They nod, because they know I’m speaking the truth. We make the exchange, and I leave. All the way back to the compound, I imagine what Kelsey will think of me. I have blown up a man in the same manner as she watched happen to the man who’s place I’m in. What a mess.
Chapter Five
Kelsey
I hear the story. Adam is making his mark, and Harrison is impressed by the takedown of one of his rival’s main men. In a way, I’m proud of how well Adam is blending in. But, I’m also upset over his actions. Killing another man is a big deal in the undercover world. We try not to do anything lethal, unless we can’t avoid it. I pray this was unavoidable for all our sakes.
I go down for breakfast, and am shocked to see Harrison sitting at the table. He normally takes his breakfast in his office while speaking to business associates on Facetime. He prefers to see their faces to judge whether or not they are telling the truth. Yet, here he is, and he’s not alone. Adam is joining us.
“Sit, my dear. The food is delightful, and so are you. I trust the shopping trip went well considering I’ve never seen you wear that outfit before,” Harrison states as I enter.
The white leggings, and soft blue sweater are a recent purchase. They are more my style than the tight dresses and stilettos he prefers, and they make me feel comforted. I am more myself dressed in this way.
“Yes, they were an impulse buy. However, I find this is going to be one of my favorite choices. I feel all snuggly,” I say in a flirtatious manner.
Harrison’s eyes darken. He is getting turned on by my wispy voice, just as I want. When he’s horny, I know I’m safe.
He breaks his stare, and speaks again, “Your usual guard is on an errand for me, Kelsey, so Adam will be watching over you today. I do hope that’s satisfactory to you both. If not, then my poor darling will have to forgo her trip to the greenhouse.”
Unknowingly, Harrison is giving me exactly what a need. I require some time alone with Adam to bring him up to speed on what I know. I also need to find out what he’s like. Is he a killer by trade, or is he pretending for the sake of his undercover persona? I know he’s a criminal, but is he bloodthirsty? Can I trust him with my life?
“It’s not a problem for me, sir,” Adam answers respectfully, glancing my way with a small smile.
“As long as I get my alone time to refresh myself, I’m fine with it. My guard just stands outside, so it really doesn’t matter who it is,” I counter, with a smirk of my own.
“Good. I have too much to deal with today to worry about you and your little hobby. Behave yourself, and dress more appropriately for dinner. Don’t forget the diamond pendant. I like to see it hanging between your breasts. I imagine it’s my finger tracing your cleavage,” Harrison says deliberately to make me embarrassed in front of Adam. He’s also claiming me as a possession.
“I’ll wear the green gown that’s open to the waist. It’s your favorite,” I reply to show him I know who I belong to.
***
Adam walks two paces behind me as we make our way to the greenhouse. I try to carry on a conversation that only he can hear.
“I suppose you know I’m a CIA agent. Did they tell you about me?” I ask.
I no longer hear footsteps, so I peek behind me, and Adam has frozen in place. He appears to be in total shock.
“I guess that means that they didn’t mention me. Agent Franklin has a strange sense of humor. Don’t panic. I’m for real. I’ll have him send you a message confirming it if you think it’s necessary. But, think about it. Why would I out myself as an agent to one of Harrison’s guards if I didn’t know he was on my side? I’d be killed, and you know it,” I explain.
He begins walking again, so I turn and do the same.
“I was told there would be someone on the inside that would reach out to me, but they didn’t give me specifics. I certainly didn’t imagine it would be you. You’re too…too…ummm,” he mumbles.
“I’m too what? Go on. Say it,” I demand.
“Too much of this,” he says as his hands make the shape of an hourglass in the air.
“I have a woman’s body, so I can’t be an agent. Is that what you mean?” I angrily reply.
“No, no, that’s not it at all. I don’t have a problem with an agent being a woman. It’s just that you’re not the kind I would expect. You should have a short hairstyle, and the body of a military person. You know what I mean. You’re hot. That body is killer,” he utters in an awed tone.
“You’re not so bad yourself. I was wondering how Adonis came to be a criminal,” I answer, hiding my pleased smile.
I can almost feel the heat coming off his face from several steps away. I can’t look back, because others might notice that we’re speaking, and I never talk to my guard. He’s an asshole. Adam’s different. I know he’s been in a lot of trouble, and that’s why he is forced to do this job, but he seems almost shy when it comes to women.
“I don’t like the way Harrison treats you. Is there something I can do to help?” he asks as we reach the greenhouse, and I start to go in alone.
Oooh, he’s strong willed, protective, and dominant. I like that type. I feel a tingle go up my spine as he draws near. It’s shameful, but I’m very attracted to this man. His hand grazes mine when he holds the door open for me, and I get wet for the first time in ages.
I turn to tell him he can’t come in, and my eyes stray to his crotch. According to the hard length that is visible through his tight pants, I have the same effect on him. There’s potential in this relationship. I’m more than willing to go for it, even though it will most likely get us killed.
“I want to bring you inside, but the other guards don’t enter here, and I can’t show you any privileges that they don’t receive. At least, not yet,” I say. I know he understands the double meaning to my words, because he blushes, and his eyes smolder.
“We’ll change that soon, I hope. It’s easier to learn all you know if I’m inside,” he replies.
I clear my throat, and straighten my shoulders to regain my composure. “I’ll open the window in the middle. Stand there, and you can hear me. I’ll tell you all I know, which isn’t enough. That’s why they brought you on board.”
He walks to the window as I slip inside. I offer him all th
e information I have. “They sell drugs to other groups, but you know that. There are counterfeit paintings being passed around, and I’ve heard about plans to take over another mob boss’s territory. That’s small potatoes, though. Something big is in the works, but I haven’t got the inside information yet. I think it has something to do with the government, which has me in a panic.”
Chapter Six
Adam
The ugly thug can’t take his eyes off Kelsey, and I want to pop them out of his fucking head. The longer this meeting lasts, the angrier I’m getting. If it doesn’t end soon, I might have to commit another murder, and this time I’ll enjoy it.
“Excuse me, sir,” one of the servants interrupts us. There is real fear in his eyes, because he knows the interruption could get him killed.
However, the boss is in a mellow mood. He’s been drinking a lot, and feeling up Kelsey, which doesn’t help my anger at all.
“What is it, Charles? Can it wait five minutes? We’re almost done here,” Harrison lazily replies.
“I’m truly sorry, sir. But, this man’s guard says he has to tell him something important, and it can’t wait. He’s holding a gun on me as we speak,” the servant answers.
“By all means, let him in. I just got you trained, and I don’t want to replace you,” Harrison laughs.
“Yes, sir,” the poor man says as he moves away to let the thug’s guard in.
The thin, grubby man rushes to his boss’s side, and whispers in his ear. I get a strange tingling on my neck that means this isn’t going to be good. I feel I know this guard, and that worries me. I have a backup plan sanctioned by Agent Franklin, but Kelsey doesn’t know about it. If I have to play that card, then I hope she goes along with it.
The thug sits up straight, and stares at me. At least his eyes aren’t on Kelsey anymore. I’ve got plans to make her mine sooner rather than later. The heat between us grows every day, and I can’t keep denying it.
Outlaw (Alpha Agency Protectors Book 3) Page 2