Covertly Strong (The Strong Series Book 1)

by N. A. Alcorn

  “Okay,” Sims responds in agreement.

  “I’m surprised that Chief Dubois was on board with us meeting face to face,” she states.

  Sims only shrugs his shoulders in response.

  She takes inventory of his demeanor and an odd sensation punches her gut. Sloan tries to brush off the weird feeling with the fact that this is the first time they’ve ever worked together. Her overall read on him is probably off and her feelings of uncertainty—which seem to be aimed at him—are probably just secondary to the anxiety that revolves around this intense mission.

  Right?

  She chooses to handle this in the best way she knows how—a way that will prevent any further opportunities for her and Sims to be seen together.

  “Well, even if Chief is okay with these impromptu meet and greets, this will be our last face-to-face meeting,” she says with a serious expression encompassing her face. “This information could have been easily discussed during a phone call. We can’t risk being seen together from here on out,” she adds as she watches Sims take in her words that could be construed as harsh.

  Harsh or not, this is something that Agent Sims needs to hear.

  There is zero room for error while they are in Guadalajara. Zero.

  And with that, Sloan leaves money on the table and gathers her leather briefcase before heading out of the café. Her nerves twitch in irritation. She is pissed that Sims left her that voicemail asking to meet him at the café to discuss information that didn’t require a personal visit. She is pissed that Chief Dubois—a man who should be looking out for her—agreed to it as well. The complete lack of regard that’s been portrayed makes her feel uncertain and slightly sick to her stomach.

  They’ve only been in Guadalajara for four days and Sims has already risked their cover once.

  Translation: Agent Sims might be a bigger risk than Hector Arturo himself if he doesn’t get his act together.

  To: Caveman@FSNW.net

  From: Meli@FSNW.net

  Subject: Four Days

  How are you? It’s only been four days and I feel like it’s been a lifetime since I’ve laid eyes on your handsome face. Bottom line: I miss you.

  I wish you were here to experience this city with me. I was walking through downtown today and just kept daydreaming about all of the things I wanted to see with you by my side.

  How about we play a little game of Remember When?

  I’ll start…

  Remember When…The one and only time that we indulged in a little Mary Jane after one of the football games? You got really pissed because Billy raided your candy stash and completely demolished your supply of Starbursts & Snickers. Billy wasn’t the candy culprit. It was me. I ate the candy. All of it. And it was fucking delicious. Mary Jane’s peer pressure was too strong to deny that night.

  I hope you’re thinking of me as much as I’m thinking of you.

  Always,

  Meli

  To: Meli@FSNW.net

  From: Caveman@FSNW.net

  Subject: 108 Hours

  It’s actually been 108 hours, sweetheart. And I miss you too. More than you’ll probably ever know...

  Daydreaming about me? I hope it was dirty…

  I’m keeping busy. We’re going to be heading out soon. Guys stuff. You get the drift. How are you? Safe, I hope. I’m thinking about you all the time, baby. All. The. Fucking. Time.

  I can’t believe all this time I thought Billy was the asshole! Fuck, I practically fell out of chair when I read that one. You’re a sly one, my little Sasquatch.

  Remember When…We went skinny dipping because I forgot the bag with our swimsuits? I didn’t forget the bag. I left it at my parent’s house on purpose. I was praying you’d at least flash me a little boob that day.

  It was fantastic boob by the way. I can still picture it.

  I love you.

  Always,

  Caveman

  To: Caveman@FSNW.net

  From: Meli@FSNW.net

  Subject: Dirty? I like dirty…

  My daydreams of you are endlessly sweet and full of kisses, holding hands, and looking into your gorgeous blue eyes…but my fantasies of you? Well, those sexy little thoughts that fill my head more often than I should admit are, as you say…dirty. Very, very dirty.

  So dirty that my panties are wet just thinking about them…

  Guys stuff? Yeah, I get the drift, and I hope that you’ll be safe too.

  I had a feeling that you forgot the bag on purpose! You’re lucky I took pity on your tricky ass and showed my boobs anyways.

  Remember When… The first time I gave you a blow job? I was nervous as hell since I had never done it before, so I did a little research. Porn research. I probably clocked in about forty hours’ worth of skin flicks before I did the deed. I hope my overachieving ways paid off.

  Always,

  Meli

  P.S. I’m safe and there’s no need for you to worry your sexy little head about me.

  To: Meli@FSNW.net

  From: Caveman@FSNW.net

  Subject: #%#$@$#@

  Are you toying with me, sweetheart?

  My cock is throbbing just thinking about your very dirty mind. Oh, the things I’ll do to that sassy little mouth of yours once you get back. Tell me more about these fantasies and maybe I’ll share a few of my own…

  I can’t wait until we make these daydreams and fantasies of yours reality.

  And you call me the randy bastard? I had no idea that I had such a porn enthusiast on my hands. We’ll have to enjoy that little hobby of yours when you get back.

  Remember When… That guy friend of yours, Ellis, switched lab partners on you in Mr. Franklin’s biology class? That little dickhead never stopped looking at you and it drove me crazy. One day after class, I threatened to pummel his face in if he even breathed in your direction. So, I’m the real reason you got stuck being my lab partner. Ellis wasn’t the asshole, I was. Don’t be mad. I only did it because I had the biggest fucking crush on you.

  Okay, I’m going to do two this round. I’m hoping this next RW will make you a little less pissed at me.

  Remember When… You sent me pics of your gorgeous face from Italy? I still have them. Those pictures got me through some pretty dark times.

  Always,

  Caveman

  P.S. Sexy little head? I agree with the sexy part, but I’m anything but little. The word huge comes to mind…

  To: Caveman@FSNW.net

  From: Meli@FSNW.net

  Subject: HUGE.

  This will be the first and only time I’ll say these words. You’re right. Huge is a better description for you. You loving the fact that I’m stroking you to satisfaction right now? I know you get off on my ego boosts...

  One of my fantasies? Hmmmm… It includes me, you, and eight hours of never leaving your bed. I might also have a desire to endeavor in a few public escapades with you. I have memories of sex on the beach that I’d like to revisit.

  And all this time I thought Ellis was an insensitive jerk! Gah! You were such a Neanderthal!

  Two things: 1. I really want to see those pictures. 2. You’re a hopeless romantic.

  Remember When… our letters actually made it to each other? I saved the last one I ever received from you. I still have it. I read it the day of the NWF Dinner. The very day I laid eyes on your handsome face again. I guess I’m a romantic too…

  I think I’m going to need a sexy phone call soon so I can hear your voice speaking delicious things into my ear. You game? I’ll bring my wet panties if you bring your HUGE, throbbing cock… I think it’ll make for a good night.

  xxx

  To: Meli@FSNW.net

  From: Caveman@FSNW.net

  Subject: HELL YES.

  I’m more than game. Consider me and my MASSIVE cock ready and waiting.

  I love your fantasies, but I’d love them more if you described in full detail what you plan on doing for those eight hours. My fantasies of you are endless and always see
m to end with one perfect, fucking moment… You riding me, screaming my name as your tight, little pussy grips my cock. Pretty fucking perfect, right? Go ahead and say it, baby. I’m right. Saddle up, cowgirl, because you’re going to need to get used to saying those two words for the rest of your life.

  And yes, I’m hopelessly in love with you. You’ve turned me into a fucking pansy-ass-sap and I fucking love it. Keep up the good work, sweetheart.

  I love you.

  x

  AFTER COMPLETING FOUR SURGERIES INSIDE the crammed OR room of San Salvador Hospital, Sloan rests her aching joints in the small physician’s breakroom. She continues small talk with a few of the male surgeons around her. They talk animatedly about the difficulties they currently face in Guadalajara. Advancing medical care in Mexico is not easy. Technology and adequate resources are not as readily available as they are in the States.

  “So how long are you going to be with us this time, Felicia?” Dr. Valaquez questions with intrigue. He is one of the many, male physicians who seem downright mesmerized by Sloan.

  “I’m not real sure. Hopefully long enough to help a lot of beautiful babies who need my surgical skills,” she answers with a soft smile.

  Yes, her career as Dr. Santora isn’t her real career, but it’s still something she takes pride in. She loves that she has the ability to help so many kids with facial deformities who would most likely never get the opportunity to receive surgeries to better their quality of life.

  “Well, I’m hoping you’ll eventually decide to become a permanent resident down here.” Dr. Valaquez winks in her direction. “I volunteer to be the guy to show you around once you finally make that decision,” he adds with a smirk.

  Sloan forces a fake laugh past her not-very-amused-lips.

  This seems to be a constant occurrence with the male physicians she comes in contact with whenever traveling the globe for Project Smiles. Well, at least that’s what they think she’s traveling for.

  “That’s very kind of you, but I’m pretty happy back in the States.”

  “I think I’ll convince you eventually,” he relentlessly voices. “But until that time comes, how about you agree to an evening out with me? I’d love to take you to dinner and show you around Guadalajara.”

  God, this man just doesn’t give up.

  She’s more than aware that his idea of “showing her around” probably includes her naked and in his bed. Not. Fucking. Happening. Even if she weren’t in love with Nix—to the point where she barely has a waking moment without his handsome face flashing through her mind—she still wouldn’t agree to go out with Dr. Valaquez. Hell, she wouldn’t agree to go out with any of the persistent male admirers she comes across.

  She clears her throat, willing herself to avoid unleashing any of her infamous sass his way. “That’s really kind of you, Dr. Valaquez—”

  “Please call me, Antonio,” he interrupts her.

  A heavy sigh escapes her throat as she forces a friendly smile to cover her obvious irritation. “Antonio, I really appreciate the offer, but I honestly don’t have time for nights out while I’m here. When I’m on a Project Smiles mission, I’m all business. No nights outs. No gallivanting around town. My time revolves around three things. Eat. Sleep. And surgery.”

  He nods in understanding. “Well, if anything changes, the offer will always stand.”

  “Thank you,” she responds.

  “And seriously, if you ever need anything, I’m always here. No matter what it may be.”

  Although his words are laced with double entendre, she chooses to take them in the literal sense. “Really?” she questions rhetorically. “There is a physician in the area that I wanted to get a little more information on. I think a lot of his patient population could benefit from the free immunizations that Project Smiles is willing to provide.”

  Antonio sits back in his chair, his shoulders slouching in slight disappointment. “Oh, okay.” He pauses for a moment. “Which physician?”

  “Dr. Mendez. Are you familiar with him?” she questions innocently.

  “Yes, a little. I’ve worked with him a few times in passing. Would you like his contact information?” he asks.

  “That would be great,” she says with a nod.

  Dr. Valaquez proceeds to pick his Blackberry off the table and jot down Dr. Mendez’s contact information on a white napkin from the dispenser in the middle of the table. “Here are his office and cell numbers as well as the actual address to his practice on the outskirts of the city.”

  “Thank you so much, Antonio.” Sloan smiles and bats her eyelashes in his direction, knowing full well that harmless flirtation with this physician is probably something she will need to do to stay in his good graces…and to continue to get things like Dr. Mendez’s contact information. “You are such a sweetheart.” She fakes a girlish giggle.

  “Where are my manners?” he voices. “I’ll call Dr. Mendez and let him know that I’m sending you his way. That way he’ll be prepared and more receptive to your unexpected visit.” Antonio’s cheesy grin is beyond ridiculous, but Sloan manages to keep a straight face.

  “You’re the best, Antonio!” she exclaims with sugary-sweet friendliness dripping from her voice.

  He winks in response. “Just promise me you’ll remember this little favor, and hopefully, if you manage to get any free time while you’re here…” he trails off suggestively.

  “I’ll make sure you’re the first person I call,” she adds with a smile so forced that her goddamn face is practically aching from the lengths it takes to plaster it there.

  Another cheesy grin and ridiculous wink are thrown in her direction.

  “Well, I’m going to head out of here,” she updates as she stands from the plastic chair. “Thanks again, Antonio. I’m sure I’ll see you around.”

  As Sloan strides out of the physician’s breakroom—ignoring the overzealous stares from her male colleagues—she’s thankful for the small victory she just accomplished.

  One step closer towards getting inside the Arturo compound…

  SLOAN WAKES UP FROM A restless sleep. The nagging thoughts of the dangers she could face during this mission continue to weigh on her mind. She can’t help it.

  Something just feels off…

  Yeah, it’s normal for her to find certain things a little worrying when she’s on a mission, but she’s never actually felt so… There really aren’t any words to describe it. There’s just this overwhelming feeling of bad things to come. She shakes off the ridiculous thoughts and turns on the shower, getting ready for her day. She has a meeting with Dr. Mendez, and it’s all thanks to her flirtations with a certain relentless physician.

  A naughty smile crests her mouth as she types out an email to Nix.

  To: Caveman@FSNW.net

  From: Meli@FSNW.net

  Subject: Sometimes you gotta play dirty…or flirty….to get what you want.

  I’ve been a bad girl. I had to use my flirtatious charm and batting eyelashes to get some very important information.

  Don’t be mad. Wait. Before I apologize, I need to know what you being mad would actually entail for me. Maybe I’d rather take the punishment than get on my hands and knees to grovel for your forgiveness?

  Sir, I request for your response to include any and all delicious details of the punishment that fits my flirtatious crime.

  To: Meli@FSNW.net

  From: Caveman@FSNW.net

  Subject: GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

  Oh, my dear sweet Meli… You’ve been a VERY bad girl, and bad girls have to pay.

  I’m finding myself a little enraged at the idea of you flashing that gorgeous smile of yours in another man’s direction. That smile, sweetheart? IT’S MINE. I suggest that you remember that in the future. And the idea of you groveling on your hands and knees? It honestly doesn’t do that much for me, but the idea of you on your knees with my throbbing cock in your mouth…

  Well, that sounds like something I would enjoy.

&nbs
p; The only person who gets your flirtatious charms and batting eyelashes is ME. In the future, if you choose to be bad again, you can bet that sweet little ass of yours that SIR will give you a nice, firm spanking before I fuck you hard and fast. I can guarantee I’ll make your fucking teeth rattle.

  P.S. Your email worked. I’m hard as motherfucker right now.

  To: Caveman@FSNW.net

  From: Meli@FSNW.net

  Subject: HOT

  Growling. Spanking. Fucking. Pulling my hair. Making my teeth rattle….

  I want it all. Phone sex tonight? I promise to make it good.

  To: Meli@FSNW.net

  From: Caveman@FSNW.net

  Subject: FUCK YES

  YES.

  I can’t wait to stroke my cock to your sexy little moans in my ear.

  SLOAN PATIENTLY SITS IN DR. Mendez’s waiting room. She checked in with the receptionist upon her arrival and was thankful to find that Dr. Valaquez—relentless Antonio—had already put in a good word for her, promptly setting up a morning meeting with the one man who might be the connection she needs to get inside the Arturo compound.

  “Dr. Santora.” The young receptionist motions for her towards the open doorway.

  Sloan stands up, quickly smoothing the wrinkles from her black pencil skirt with her fingers, and then promptly follows the receptionist’s lead. The woman’s—more like girl’s—brown curls bounce with each sashay of her shapely hips. She leads Sloan down a small hallway past a few examining rooms then ushers her inside Dr. Mendez’s office.

  “Dr. Mendez, this is Dr. Santora, the ten-o’clock appointment that Dr. Valaquez scheduled.” The quick introduction is tossed out before his office door is shut.

  The young—and visibly handsome—Mexican physician stands up from his desk, his hand reaching out to shake Sloan’s hand. She grasps his firm grip and returns the gesture.

  “Thank you so much for fitting me in. I’m sure you have a busy schedule, and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this,” she adds with a smile.

  “Please.” He motions for her take a seat in the leather chair that sits before his desk. His eyes peruse her feminine physique, glinting with masculine approval.