by B. L. Wilde
“Don’t mind the rest of us Seductors,” Alicia muttered icily. “No one can match perfect Jade.”
“You could learn a few things from Jade, Alicia. She is a real professional. There are many reasons she is top of her game, and you’d be wise to try and follow them.” Her words were truly touching. I never knew that was how Sonia saw me. I wasn’t really the Jade she had just described anymore, though.
“I’ll take my leave now and begin preparing for my interview in Washington.” Sonia excused me with a nod and a small smile.
As I walked out of Sonia’s office, I could hear Alicia raise her voice. She must have been furious at the turn of events. I knew she hated me as much as I hated her, but if working with her would give me Oliver, it was something I was willing to do.
I couldn’t protect my heart this time, though. The moment I saw him, I knew I’d give him anything he wanted in return for his forgiveness.
If that were my heart—I’d give it to him gladly.
Chapter Two
“Here are all your papers, Jade.” Miles smiled sweetly at me. “Are you sure about all this?”
“I have no choice. Sonia needs me to take this mission.”
“You want this mission too, don’t you?” he questioned, handing me my fake passport. Why did it feel so good being Jade Gibbs again?
“Yes,” I confessed with a sigh.
“Mr. Kirkham doesn’t seem to want to give up on you, either. He did another background check yesterday to see if you’d used your account anywhere.” Oliver was still looking for me. That was a good thing, right? “Did you get the information I sent you about your bank deposits?”
“Yes, I’ve studied them. I know where I’ve been these last six months.”
“Make sure your tracker is working. I had issues with Georgie’s earlier this week. It might be the software that I updated,” he mused, going back to his computer.
“Don’t I get any fancy gadgets to take with me?” I teased, leaning on his desk.
“There’s no point until we know about this power core. You have your standard equipment, though.”
“Do you think they’re going too far with this steal?” I could confide in Miles. We become close in the months we’d worked together.
“Selling advanced nuclear weapons to the highest bidder? Yeah, I’d say they’ve outdone themselves this time. But we’re all here to do a job, aren’t we?” I nodded sadly. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”
“I always am.”
“Mr. Kirkham has no idea about the stolen blueprints. We’ve advised our client to keep it all under wraps until we find out if this power core is even real.”
“Do you think it could exist?”
“There have been so many advances in fission and fusion that it could be possible. By generating higher mission velocities with less reaction mass, it could be achieved. Kirkham Industries would need a higher energy density of nuclear reactions, though. That would take some creating.” Miles had lost me already. “Sorry, Jade. It’s my scientist head talking. I can see the glazed-over look in your eyes.”
“You’d get along so well with Oliver,” I giggled. “Does he really not know about the blueprints being stolen?”
“He’s been too occupied with trying to find you, Jade. He has no idea that they were stolen, and I’ll make sure he doesn’t find out.” Miles was amazing. He was all about keeping us Seductors safe.
“You’re a real sweetheart,” I beamed, pecking his cheek. He blushed bright red, like I knew he would.
“Who’s going to keep you guys safe if I don’t?” he mused, looking up from his computer screen.
“Sonia doesn’t value you as much as she should.”
“When you complete this mission, ask her for a pay raise for me, then,” he chuckled.
“Deal,” I smirked. “So, is this everything?”
“Yeah, good luck. Oh, I’ve downloaded information on Brian Brentford to help with your interview, too. I sent it to your phone so you can read it on the plane.”
“That was very thoughtful.”
“I do it for everyone.” I knew that wasn’t true, but I needed to get ready for my flight to Washington so didn’t push it.
I was flying to New York immediately after my interview. I needed to secure myself an apartment, and had booked a room at The Peninsula, Manhattan while I visited a few real estate agents.
The opening for Brentford Apartments was at the St. Regis Hotel, which was just around the corner from The Peninsula. I needed a quick getaway if my first meeting with Oliver didn’t go quite how I planned.
“I still think this mission involves him. I can tell by your face,” Molly moped as I packed my bags.
“Shouldn’t you be getting ready for your mission?” I pointed out, trying to change the subject. “You know I can’t tell you. This mission doesn’t concern you!”
“Why would he become your target again? Plus, do you really want to go there knowing Alicia has, too?”
“Molly, quit it, please!”
“I had to take some of his calls when he kept trying to reach you at your pretend office, Jade. I’m under no illusions about how he feels about you, and I know you’re in love with him, too. I’m worried about you. How are you going to walk away after this? You had a hard enough time after the first mission.”
“I’ll be fine!” I threw my hand over my mouth, realizing my slip up.
“Are you for real?” Her eyes widened as her mouth went slack.
“You can’t breathe a word of this—not even to Georgie or Drew. You know Sonia will come down on your ass hard!”
“Fucking hell, I’m speechless! Of course I won’t say anything—I’m not stupid.”
“I’ve got this, Molly. I’ll be fine, I promise,” I murmured, zipping my up my suitcase.
“Okay,” she sighed, getting up. “You go and have more amazing sex with that hot target of yours. I’m not jealous in the slightest.”
“It might take a while before we get to that. I have a feeling he’s not going to be happy to see me.”
“He’s in love with you, Jade. You’ll work it out. Just remember to look after this.” She poked my chest. “Being in love with your target isn’t a good place to be.” I knew that, but Molly didn’t know that I had the chance to be with Oliver when my contract was over—as long as he never found out I was a Seductor.
“I’m not in love with him. I’m just addicted to the way he fucks me,” I lied.
“You can’t fool me.” I shook my head, giving Molly a tight hug goodbye. When I stepped back, I grabbed my suitcase and papers, and was finally on my way. It seemed surreal that in less than two weeks I would see Oliver again. The question was: would he be happy to see me?
I lay on one of the orange lounge chairs near the pool at The Peninsula, relaxing and soaking up the sun. I was trying to calm myself because today was opening day. In a matter of hours, I’d be face to face with Oliver, trying to explain my absence for the last six months.
My interview with Mr. Brentford had gone effortlessly in Washington, even if he had spent most of the time talking to my chest.
I had also managed to secure an apartment in Manhattan, not too far away from Oliver’s stunning penthouse. Although, I had to wait a few weeks until I could move in.
I was hoping that by making myself easily accessible to him, he wouldn’t be able to keep away.
He might not be able to stand the sight of me at first, though.
That was what worried me the most—Oliver’s initial reaction. I’d hurt him, but would he be willing to forgive me?
“Jade?” I was snapped out of my thoughts when someone stood in front of me. I groaned to myself at the sight of Brian Brentford hovering over me. His eyes raked over every inch of my body. Only wearing a red bikini, I quickly pulled my robe around my body and sat up.
“Mr. Brentford, what are you doing here?” I acted shocked when really, I knew what his game was. He’d been trying to make a play for
me from the moment I entered his interview room in Washington.
“Sorry to drop by unannounced, Jade.” His eyes were lingering on my legs as he spoke. “Would you mind arriving a little earlier tonight to help me set up the room?” Great, that meant I had even less time to get ready now.
“Of course I can,” I smiled, taking my sunglasses off. “I’d better get ready soon, then.”
“Don’t let me keep you. I thought I’d ask you in person since I was passing right by your hotel anyway. Can I take you to lunch tomorrow, too? The floor plans for the apartments you’ve been assigned have arrived. We could look at them over a shared meal.” Oh, I had every hope that Oliver would save me and stake his claim by then. Lunch with Mr. Brentford sounded awful.
“Sure,” I replied quietly. I still had to be shy, Jade Gibbs, when really, all I wanted to tell this asshole to take a hike. Just the way he was watching me was creeping me out.
Mr. Brentford wasn’t much older than Oliver. I could only imagine what the rivalry was like between the two friends. It wasn’t that I was planning on making Oliver jealous by using Mr. Brentford, but Alicia had been alone with him for two whole weeks. Who knew what schemes she’d played trying to seduce him. I only prayed Oliver hadn’t fallen for her charms.
“I’ll see you later then, Jade, and thank you.” Mr. Brentford left without another word.
I looked down at my watch, knowing I needed to make a move to get ready. I needed to look my best for tonight. Why was I suddenly feeling so worked up?
“Thank you for this, Jade,” Mr. Brentford smiled as I began to place leaflets around the tables. It was only the two of us and a few wait staff in the room.
I’d gone for an elegant backless black dress tonight, with a slit that showed off my long legs. The cut of the dress was very low, so I’d taped my breasts in for extra support. I’d curled my hair, too, tying a few loose strands up. I hoped it was enough to impress Oliver tonight. I knew he wouldn’t be happy to see me at first.
“It’s my pleasure,” I muttered, keeping a close eye on the door. Oliver was on his way. Alicia had already informed me that he’d left half an hour ago.
“I better go to reception and check if my guest speaker has arrived yet.”
“Are you going to let me know who it is?” I giggled, moving around the table as I tried to get some distance from him. Mr. Brentford always had to stand so close to me. Men!
“Oh, I suppose it won’t do any harm to tell you,” he grinned, looking behind me. “Oh, wait! It doesn’t matter now. You can actually meet him. He just walked in.” I froze, scared to move. My back was facing the door, and as I placed the last leaflet down on the table, Mr. Brentford called out to him. “Oliver! I was just about to come to reception to meet you. I have someone I want you to meet.” I swallowed hard and slowly began to turn around.
“Don’t worry about it, Brian. I’m early for once,” Oliver chuckled. He was getting closer. Every nerve ending in my body intensified just from hearing his voice. It had been too long.
“This is Jade,” Mr. Brentford commented as Oliver and I locked eyes.
The world around us seemed to slow. Christ, I could have drowned in those dark, hooded brown eyes. Oliver looked good, really good. His hair was a little shorter, but his face hadn’t changed at all. He perhaps looked more tired, but I couldn’t even imagine what he’d been through in the last few months.
“O…Ol…Oliver,” I whispered, forcing my words out.
“Jade?” His face was full of confusion and hurt. “Is this a joke? You turn up now? After all this time?”
“Let me explain,” I pleaded, reaching for him.
“Don’t!” he threatened, taking a step back. “You’re wasting your breath! I’m not interested in anything you have to say. You made yourself clear six months ago.” With that, he stormed off.
Ignoring Mr. Brentford’s calls, I rushed after him. My body was moving of its own accord; I didn’t even have to think about it.
I found him pacing the hallway with his face in his hands.
“Oliver, please,” I whimpered. His eyes snapped up to me instantly, and I was frozen in place by his gaze as he began to stalk toward me. What was he going to do? I couldn’t read his eyes. They looked half crazed.
“What the fuck is going on?” he seethed, pushing me up against the wall. “Where the hell have you been?” He pressed his hands either side of my head, holding me in place. I was breathing erratically from all the adrenaline pumping through my veins. Watching his lips, I longed to run my fingertips across them. I’d never wanted a man the way I wanted him. It was all consuming. Every nerve ending in my body was pulsing for him.
“I…I was trying to build up the courage to see you,” I muttered.
“You walked out on me! I confessed everything to you and you fucking walked out!” He pushed off the wall, pulling at his hair.
“Oliver, I’m sorry. I…” I tried to reach for him but he pulled back.
“What are you doing here, Jade? It makes no sense.”
“I’ve come back to beg for your forgiveness. I’m sorry. You have to believe me.”
“How can I ever trust you again? I opened my heart up to you and you walked out on me.” The pain in his eyes paralyzed me. I’d done this to him.
“I’m moving to New York.” He looked troubled by my confession. Six months ago he would have been elated by that news.
“Why?” he snarled.
“Why do you think?” I could feel the sexual tension begin to build between us. “Give me a chance to explain, please?” I pleaded.
Oliver sighed deeply, closing his eyes for a short second. They were softer when he opened them again.
“I can’t believe you’re really here. I thought I’d never see you again.” He moved his hand into my hair, twisting one of my curls around his fingers.
“I know you’re angry with me, but please just hear me out. There are things you don’t know about me.”
“Jade…” He was obviously conflicted as he watched my lips. “I can’t do this. I can’t open up my world to you again knowing you could leave at any moment. It’s too late, I…”
“I was going to come and see you, I promise. I didn’t want to stay away as long as I did, but the longer I left it, the harder it became.” His defenses were faltering; I could see it in his eyes. The hand that was in my hair moved to stroke the side of my face. “Give me a chance to explain, please,” I pleaded, gripping his jacket and pulling him toward me. Our mouths were only inches apart now. Oliver licked his lips, gazing down at me.
I closed my eyes as he began to close the small distance between us. I wanted to drown in this kiss and never come back up for air.
As his lips brushed mine, I gasped, opening my mouth slightly to take in his kiss. Suddenly a voice interrupted us.
“Umm…Oliver?” I could never mistake Alicia’s voice. I tried to control my fury as he backed away from me completely. “I decided to come after all,” she smiled, looking stunning in her tight, red satin dress. Damn her to hell! This was supposed to be my first meet. She shouldn’t even be here. Not to mention red was my color!
“Oh, what a lovely surprise,” Oliver muttered, a little flustered. “You look beautiful, Alicia.” My heart sank as I watched him walk over to greet her with a soft peck on the cheek. It didn’t seem like a professional thing to do to me. Had he fallen for her charms?
“Who’s your friend?” she asked, looking in my direction.
He gazed at me with sad eyes before speaking. “She’s no one.” I tried to stop the tears from stinging my eyes at his cold words. Was I really nothing to him?
“Well, I think the drinks reception is this way,” Alicia smiled, pulling Oliver away from me. With one last glance in my direction, he let her lead him away.
“How do you know Oliver?” Mr. Brentford asked once I’d joined him back in the now full ballroom. I picked up a glass of white wine that was offered to me by one of the wait staff.
&
nbsp; “It’s a long story,” I stressed, taking a large gulp of wine.
“Do you know him on a personal or professional level?” I widened my eyes at his question. “I’m sorry, that was rude of me. It’s just…I’ve never seen Oliver react that way before.”
“Have you been friends long?”
“Almost ten years,” he replied, touching my arm. “Jade, if you need me to keep him away from you, I can. He can be a little intense.”
“I’ll be fine.” I smiled shyly, pulling away from his touch. Oliver and Alicia walked in at that moment with fresh drinks in their hands. His gaze instantly fell upon me, and I began to burn as I watched the hunger in his eyes. I was sure it matched my own.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I muttered, walking away to network with a few of the guests.
I felt Oliver’s eyes on me throughout the evening. Whenever I turned to look at him, I found him already watching me. He didn’t make any attempt to talk to me, though. It seemed as if Alicia was keeping him on a tight leash.
I’d forgotten how much I loved watching him converse with people. Sitting at the bar for an hour, I observed him with four different groups of people. Everyone seemed to be in awe of him, and I could understand why. I’d fallen hard for the Oliver Kirkham charm myself.
“You aren’t going to win this mission, Jade,” Alicia whispered into my ear as she joined me at the bar.
“Oh, really?” I crossed my legs, turning to give her my full attention. This I couldn’t wait to hear.
“I’ve had him, Jade,” she goaded, running her hands through her fake hair. It took all my strength not to raise my hand up and slap her. That was what she wanted, though. She was trying to make me blow my cover. Jade Gibbs wouldn’t confront anyone, let alone a stranger.
Okay, so Alicia might have slept with Oliver, but he wasn’t in love with her. I’d left him months ago. He was a free man.
It didn’t stop my heart from aching when I imagined the two of them together, though. “Give up now,” she whispered as we both watched Oliver make his way over toward us with a slight frown on his face.