I was rooted to the spot like a trapped bird. Was he saying what I think he’s saying? The look on his face didn’t give me any answers, but I’m pretty sure he’d just told me to screw Hank Mancini if I had to-to get information.
The fact that I’d already fucked him for my own personal gratification could be shoved under the rug, if only the thought of it didn’t leave me feeling cold and dirty.
No way could I relegate what we’d shared last night to just taking one for the team. And Hank would kill me if he knew, and somehow he always knows. “Sir, are you saying…?” He held his hand up to stop me.
“I have merely intimated that due to the importance of this particular subject, we should think outside the scope of what’s considered normal even for the agency. You know better than anyone what we’re up against. You’re also smart enough if what they say about you is true, to know that there’s only one way to bring him down.”
“We’ve been playing games with him all these years, or more, he’s been playing us for fools. I’ve heard the reports of how he looks at you.” I looked at him sharply and swallowed the bile that had gathered in my throat. There was a strange buzzing in my ears as I questioned just why my ‘superiors’ had really sent me here. It can’t be; I’m good at what I do. In fact, I’m the best the bureau has ever had and that’s not just me tooting my own horn. What this…man was implying…
I looked away when he held my gaze with way too much meaning in his eyes. “You have sworn to represent this agency, to do whatever it takes to bring the enemy to heel. Time was I wouldn’t have had to spell it out for you-you would’ve been ten steps ahead of me. Now in this new day of political correctness and all the other moralistic bullshit floating around out there, everything is a big fucking deal.”
“So you are saying what I think you are.” “I’m saying do your job. The man likes pussy. You can’t open a newspaper or magazine these days without seeing some new cunt on his arm. You’re the agent, the profiler; use your head. Or do you think you’re too good to do what countless others before you have done in the past?”
I think I turned into stone. Thankfully he didn’t require an answer and waved me off before turning back to his desk. I left feeling sicker than when I came in. In less than ten minutes he’d denigrated me down to nothing more than a call girl with a badge.
Should I call Durant? He couldn’t possibly feel the same, could he? He’d also tainted what I’d shared with Hank the night before. At least one good thing came of his little speech. I no longer felt as guilty as before. There was only one person I could trust with the mess I’d made for myself and I planned to call her as soon as I got back to my place.
I knew she didn’t have any delusions about the agency. In fact she’d tried to warn me a time or two. Like me Gracie was there for her own purpose as well. Not that we didn’t both want to serve our country, but we both had headed in that direction due to personal loss. The murder of her dad had been her catalyst for joining. I guess I deserve this for trying to use the agency for my own purposes, but damn.
5
Mancini
I had my phone to my ear before I cleared her building. “Adrien, you got Jaxx?”
“Yeah he’s here what’s up? Your message said it was important but was a bit light on details.”
“I’m going under for a few days, not sure how long exactly. I need you to keep an eye on my woman.”
“Come again?” They both said the words together and I could imagine them looking at each other like ‘what the fuck’. “Who exactly are you talking about?” The slight snicker in Jaxx’s voice told me they knew exactly who I meant.
“Don’t fuck around. Anything happens to her while I’m gone I’m holding you both responsible. She shouldn’t have much to do since I’m her primary target, so it should be easy enough to keep tabs on her.”
“So what you want us to like spy on her?”
“Is this fucking high school? No I don’t want you to spy on her. I want you to make sure she stays safe.”
“You know we will. So, your woman huh.”
“I don’t have time to gossip with you right now Adrien and for fuck sake keep your wives out of my business.” I hung up on their stupid laughing asses and got into my ride.
I hated like fuck that I had to leave her, but it couldn’t be helped. I must’ve looked back a thousand times as I made my way to my place. Maybe I should have her stay at my home until I get back, at least that way I’d know that she was safe. Or maybe I could take her to my parents.
I’m sure she wouldn’t go for that. I was thinking more like a man with a lover, than the man she was supposed to be investigating. I didn’t give a fuck about any of that right now, my only care was in making sure she was safe when I wasn’t there to protect her myself. But I know my woman and no way in hell would she go for it. She’d be too worried and rightfully so about what it would mean to her job.
Then again her superiors might see that as an in. But we’d have to expose what we had come to mean to each other to the world, namely the brass at the Bureau, and I was sure that would cause problems for her.
I felt like I was leaving her holding the bag. “Shit?” I hadn’t had time to think things through. When I climbed into her bed there was nothing else on my mind but taking her. I didn’t give a fuck about the bureau or anyone else, but that’s me. I’ve never let anything stand in the way of me getting what I want; but what about her? How would she handle this new development? Like I didn’t have enough to worry about as it is. Damn, I can’t be selfish with her. She’s now become my first priority where just one day ago I held that spot.
I had to satisfy myself with the thought that when I got back we’d discuss what we were going to do about our situation. No matter what, she’s with me, end of story. I’ll do whatever needs to be done to make that shit happen and do it in a way that she doesn’t lose. They bureau will just have to find another asshole in a suit to take her place keeping eyes on me.
A million thoughts ran through my head as I drove through the empty streets of the city to home. Not least was the way I felt about her and what we’d shared. I can’t remember the last time I’d fucked a woman that many times in one night. In fact I’m pretty sure I never had before. I could’ve spent the next week in her bed and still not get enough.
The farther I drove away from her the more unsettled I grew. I’m not too comfortable leaving my woman behind, something I’m sure I’ll be doing a lot more of in the future, but this was too soon for my liking. So much had changed in the last few hours, things I hadn’t been prepared for. This call to duty couldn’t have come at a worst time.
I was aware even before climbing into her bed that my feelings for her had gone from zero to sixty since the first night we met. But I didn’t know that leaving her would leave this gaping wound in me. As much as I hated what I was about to do, there was nothing for it. Right now I had to put all my energy into the task ahead. There were people depending on me.
I didn’t have time to do much more than throw a few things in an overnight case after a quick shower, before heading back out the door again. I switched my mind from the warm bed I’d just left to what laid ahead of me, but it wasn’t as easy this time.
As I watched the city go by outside the window from my seat in the back of the phantom, I felt a little bit of sadness leave me with every mile that took me farther away from her. There was a gnawing in my gut that hadn’t been there before. Was this love shit really this serious? My brothers would have a field day if they could see me now.
I pulled my phone for one last sound of her voice. She answered on the third ring. “Hi baby, I miss you already.” What the fuck? If I weren’t the man I am this shit would scare me. But I’ve always been one to face my shit head on. Her voice was still sleep soft which told me she was still laying in the bed I’d taken her in. For some fucked up reason that made me feel better.
“Hank you just left.” That laugh that she shared sparingly
was like balm to my soul and I found myself smiling for no reason at all. “I know, I just wanted to hear your voice one last time. Miss me.” I hung up before I made an ass of myself.
I could still smell her on me even after the quick shower I’d grabbed, and the image of her riding my cock was imprinted on my mind. It wasn’t right that I should have to leave her at this moment in time. When everything was so new, when I hadn’t had time to seal the deal.
There was still so much left undone so much to be said to each other. There was a hole in my gut when I thought of what she might have to face while I was gone. I had no doubt that my brave girl was going to have a hard time coming to terms with what we’d done last night and what it could mean for her job. She had a deep-rooted moral ethic that was hard to miss. She’s one of those types whose conscience would fuck with her over this.
“Fuck!” how could I leave her here to face that alone? The temptation to turn around and go back to her was strong. But I’d sworn an oath long ago to protect those weaker than I. I had to weigh the lives of countless innocents against my need to protect and shield her from what her superiors might do if our night together ever came to light.
It would’ve been fine I was staying in the city. I could’ve shielded her. But with me gone I wasn’t sure how this might play out. I was sure no one had followed me to her place last night, so that was something.
“Mr. Mancini sir, we’re here.” I cleared my head as the driver opened the door for me. It was still very early but the place was already crawling with people. I didn’t see my tail but wasn’t worried about them either way. Once I hit the skies there was no way for them to track my movements.
I made short work of boarding the private jet, and getting my mind back to where it needed to be. For the first time in my life I was worried about leaving someone behind. Not sure I’d expected these feelings, but what do I know? I’d never given my heart before.
I had way too much time to think, on the almost twenty hour flight to South East Asia. In between strategizing my play once I land, my mind was filled with the night before, and the woman who seems to have wormed her way into my heart, in such a short time.
I called to mind all the stories my brothers told me about their relationships with the women they’d married. The fact that they pretty much knew the jig was up from day one, and how I’d deflected that as bullshit.
I was only now learning the truth of their words. Back then; I didn’t think it possible for one human being to have that kind of hold on me. Now here I was missing her already and we hadn’t even had that much time together. I knew she played this heavily on my mind, because the bond hadn’t been forged, not completely.
That’s the reason I now felt bereft, set adrift somehow, like I was missing a fucking limb. If she could make me feel this way after only one night, I couldn’t imagine what a lifetime with her would do to me.
I took out my phone and looked at the last shot I’d snuck of her while she was asleep all cuddled up in bed. I wanted to remember her like this until I could see her again. Soft, beautiful and safe.
I couldn’t let myself think of anything happening to her while I wasn’t there to look after her. What could go wrong? She was a profiler. Her job didn’t require her to be in the line of fire.
Though her asshole boss had sent her out in the field alone on her first try, and after me no less. That shit burned me, and the first chance I get, I’m gonna pay Durant a visit. Not one that he was gonna like. What if I’d been what they suspected? How could they have sent an innocent like her after the man they had on their most wanted list?
She’s good I’ll give her that. Listening to her I can well imagine how she’d studied me for weeks, months on end. How she’d delved into my life in every aspect, getting to know the man on paper before meeting him face to face. But even as good as she is, she still only knew what I wanted the world to see. If she was lucky, maybe one day she’d come to see the real me.
Still, because of their sick obsession with me, they’d sent an innocent into my lair. Me, a man they’d labeled a murderer, a trafficker of flesh just to name a few of the more despicable crimes they’ve lain at my feet. That’s one of the reasons I hate the bureau and all other organizations.
They’re manned by unconscionable pricks who, care for nothing but themselves and getting ahead. No point in tearing myself up about it now though, there’ll be time enough for that later. That and convincing her to give up the job she’d fought so hard for.
I didn’t kid myself that there wasn’t going to be a battle, but like so many others before, I planned to win this one. I knew why she was in, what drove her. But the minute she laid down beneath me, the minute I pierced her virginity, drew her virgin blood, she became my responsibility. No fucking way am I letting my woman be a part of that shit.
I know too much of what’s out there, and as much as she thinks she knows, as brave as she is, that world is no place for her. I give a fuck if that’s sexist, to each his own. Other men might be fine with their women jumping into the underbelly and the dark places of the fucked up world, I’m not one of them. Since she’s so smart she can work with me. That way I’d know she’s safe. And she’d have my balls if she knew what I was thinking.
“Be safe little one.” I kissed her image like an ass before putting the phone away again. Outside the light was fading as the sun set over the ocean. I still had a few more hours before I landed and had to wade into the deep dark world of child traffickers again. This shit makes me tired. The more I destroy, the more arise. It never ends.
6
Mancini
I landed and got to work right away. My contacts were there to meet me as was expected, but I wasn’t my usual self and they picked up on it right away. “Did something else happen boss?” I looked at the five foot three Asian man that hustled to keep up with my much longer stride.
“Yes, I need to get this shit over and done with now. Do we know where this asshole is right now?” We had whittled it down to one guy in charge of the operation on this end. There were others scattered all over the third world, but everyone knows, strike the head and the rest will scatter.
As vicious as the world of child trafficking is, it’s hard for some to believe that one person could orchestrate and carry out such a diabolical deed, but the shit has to start somewhere. There’s always going to be that one asshole who says ‘hey, I have an idea’.
“Yes boss, he’s at the home of his mistress. He spends three nights a week there, which is good because the security isn’t as good as at his compound. He must leave in the wee hours of the morning so that his wife does not grow suspicious, poor woman, and that is when we will strike.”
Imagine a sick fuck like that worrying about his wife knowing he’s cheating when he’s a black-hearted fuck who trades little boys and girls for profit. The mere thought of it made my gut twist, but I forced the anger back; put it aside. I never go into a situation with anything but a clear head.
Usually I would’ve enjoyed taking the time to torture this fuck for all the evil he’d done. A job like this would’ve taken me a couple days, sometimes even a week because of its delicate nature. I don’t think I can be away from her that long, not this first time anyway. I have to get back to her, so this time I’ll make it quick.
I wasn’t going to dwell on what she had done to my well-earned discipline. I was well aware that this was new territory for me, that I was walking blind. In one night she’d become my focus, when for the past fifteen years or so my only goal was saving the world.
We had men in place in the other known locations, in Kiev, Chechnya, Bosnia; even Kabul of all places. That cesspit is the last place you’d expect to hear of such things seeing as how they try to convince the world that they’re such righteous upstanding men; lying fucks, they’re just as depraved as the next guy.
I had to time my hit perfectly to coincide with the others, which shouldn’t be a problem since we’d done this shit before. Different loc
ations, different faces, same sick crime. While the rest of the world was sidetracked with bullshit smokescreens, the children of the future were being exploited in some of the most despicable ways known to man.
I stayed in the van three houses down in the dark as I waited for the go ahead from the others. Once they were in place I’ll make my move and be out of here in a matter of minutes. Then I had to hang around and clean out the nest that my men had found with the other children that were being held in containers waiting to be shipped to their prospective new owners.
No one spoke as each man I’m sure was thinking about what laid ahead and what might go wrong. All the things you might think about before an op. Me, I still had one thing on my mind. And for that reason I knew nothing would go wrong, that I had to make it back to her.
The little light on my watch blinked once, twice, three times. “Let’s go.” I felt the rush of adrenaline hit as soon as I slid the door open and stepped out into the cool night air. The neighborhood was the same as any of its kind all over the world. Upper middle class homes some with fences and gates, others with well manicured lawns and well tended gardens.
Ours was the one at the very end of the Cul-de-sac. It didn’t have a wall around, more like one of those ornamental wrought iron bar type things. There were only two men on guard. We’d checked earlier to be sure. I guess this fuck thought he was relatively safe here since no one knew of his sidepiece.
I let the others take care of them after we scaled the fence. I kept to the shadows as I listened for any sound that might give me away. The dog had yelped only once so I knew it was neutralized, which meant the guards were down or close to it. I blended into the darkness and waited.
Right on time the target exited the front door of the nondescript residence. I listened as he said his goodbyes to his mistress and waited for her to close the door and return inside. I didn’t give him enough time to wonder about the absence of his guards. I slid out of the dark and was on him before he knew what was going on.
Hold Me If You Can (Mancini Way 2) Page 3