Hydria wasn’t about to warn Bennett she might not be all that effective in the hills. Bennett had confidence in her, and she found it refreshing. But she wanted to feel part of the team and not looking like the others only made that more difficult. There was nothing she could do about it though.
Pulling out the tooth powder that had been supplied to her upon her arrival in Tabiq, she quickly ran her fingers over her teeth with it. It had a peppermint flavor and was better than nothing, but not how she’d like to care for her pearly whites long-term. She knew this wasn’t going to be a picnic. No matter how crappy the sleeping arrangement had been, it had been better than the shithole of a motel she’d stay at after leaving Melissa’s. There’s always a bright side if you look for it.
When she left the tent, she looked for Bennett and was told he was in a meeting updating the other team. She hadn’t been filled in on the game plan yet, but then again, she was on a need-to-know level. Hydria knew how to be a team player. After all, she was offered a position on a SWAT team. She also knew she’d have to prove herself to her team, nothing unusual when you were starting a new job.
So far everyone she’d met welcomed her, but each eyed her in a way that said she better pull her weight because they weren’t doing it for her. She had no problem with that. Even on the police force, she held her own. Renzo would say too much so. But who cares what he thinks? This isn’t LA.
“Vose, come with me,” Bennett ordered as he walked by.
Once again he didn’t look pleased, but she’d come to understand that was his serious look. It didn’t mean anything was wrong, just time to work. He was tall, and it was difficult to match his long strides. He disappeared into the second tent before she caught up with him.
When she entered her eyes had to adjust from the morning sun, but she didn’t need to see to recognize who was there.
“What the fuck are you doing here?” Renzo snapped at her.
She tried to hide her surprise better than Renzo had. Don’t let Bennett know how much I hate this. “My job. Is there a problem with that?” She was impressed how smoothly she pulled that off. On the outside, she appeared confident. Inside she thought she might vomit. He was the last person she wanted to see. You ignored my calls. Don’t ask any questions now. It’s too late.
Renzo turned to Bennett and angrily said, “Stone, don’t tell me you hired her.”
Bennett didn’t seem shocked by Renzo’s attitude one bit. Hydria knew this wasn’t the first time those two had worked together, so he must’ve anticipated Renzo’s displeasure at seeing her there. Is that why you failed to tell either me or Ren about this? So you could hold control? Good luck with that. Ren isn’t known for playing nice when cornered.
“Not that you have the right to question who I chose to work for me, but are you saying you question her ability?” Bennett asked calmly.
Renzo studied her, and Hydria felt as though he was going to say yes. This isn’t happening again. He’s not going to undermine me and prevent me from doing my job. It was frustrating that, after ten years on the force, nothing had changed. Nothing ever will. He didn’t try to hide how he felt, and it infuriated her. If she wasn’t a lady, she’d be tempted to slap that smug look right off his arrogant face.
She hadn’t come all this way to be sent home because Renzo said so. So before Renzo could answer Bennett, Hydria spoke up, defending herself. It was something she wished she’d done years ago. Placing her hands on her hips, and looking Renzo square in the eyes, she firmly directed her words to Bennett, “I do not believe Mr. Turchetta is the best one to make that call.”
“You two have ten minutes to figure your shit out and come to some understanding. We’re heading out, and I need both of you ready. Got it?” Bennett growled.
“Yes, sir,” Hydria replied, but Renzo continued to glare at her. Once Bennett left the tent, she knew if she backed down, she would be proving Renzo’s point that she didn’t belong there. So she went on the attack. “You have a hell of a lot of nerve questioning why I’m here.”
“This isn’t LA. You have no idea how dangerous this place is.” Renzo’s voice was filled with tension, and she knew he was fighting to maintain his self-control.
Maybe you can’t handle the pressure of being here. If Renzo thought he was angry now, it was going to get a lot worse, because she wasn’t cowering. “No different for any other member of the team.”
For a brief second, she saw a flash of concern in his eyes. “You’re only helping me prove my point. You are a liability to this team. I can’t promise I can keep you safe here.” He shook his head as he walked around the tent. “I have no idea why Bennett doesn’t see that.”
She wasn’t going to allow him to turn this onto Bennett. The doubts were all his, and she was going to make sure he understood that. “Renzo, not everyone looks at a woman as being weak. Defenseless.”
She watched as Renzo flipped over the folding chair between them. In two quick strides, he stood, only inches away, and his expression had changed. It wasn’t one she’d seen in him before. For the first time, she shivered in fear of him. Hydria never thought he’d hurt her, but Renzo wasn’t acting like himself. She took a step back, and that’s when Renzo reached out, gripping her by her biceps, pulling her even closer. Her feet almost left the ground as he held her tightly.
“Is that what you think? That I don’t want you here because you’re weak or incompetent?” Renzo asked, meeting her eyes. His were dark and fierce.
She didn’t even realize she’d been holding her breath until she tried to speak. “Why . . . why else wouldn’t you want me here?”
His eyes softened, and so did his grip. “Because if anything happened to you, I’d lose my fucking mind.”
Hydria couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She knew Renzo cared, otherwise he never would’ve followed her career all those years. But exactly how much seemed to fluctuate. There’s a fine line between love and hate. Sometimes I can’t tell which it is with you. She wanted to hear him tell her what he felt, but nothing said there could be taken seriously. He’d been mad as hell a moment ago, and now he was looking at her like he wanted to be her lover. Hydria wasn’t going to fall for it. Renzo would do and say anything to get her to leave. Maybe even pretend I mean more to him than I really do.
Even though her pulse was racing with him so close, she summoned all the courage she could muster and said, “Don’t worry, I’m capable of taking care of myself. I’ve proven that many times over the years. I won’t get hurt.”
“Ria, hurt might be the least of your worries. Some of the men here are . . . worse than animals. You don’t want to know what they’re capable of.”
Using her pet name wasn’t playing fair. She wasn’t going to cave to her own desires. For him to want me like I have always wanted him. It didn’t matter how he looked at her or what he said, she was here to do a job. And I have a promise to keep. I can’t do that if I’m not here. “I do know what they have done and could do again in the future, if they’re not stopped. That’s why I’m here.”
“But—”
“Renzo, I’m not leaving.” She barked out her frustration. “No matter what you say, this is my job and what I choose to do with my life is none of your business. You walked away years ago when I needed you and lost the right to voice your opinion to me. Now if you don’t mind, I believe the team is waiting for us.”
“You’re a fool, Ria. I can’t protect you here, and because of that, you’ll probably get us both killed.” Renzo let go of her but didn’t move away.
Although his grip had been firm, he hadn’t hurt her. Not physically anyway. But as always, Renzo had an uncanny way of instilling doubt within her. If he wanted her to get killed, making her second-guess herself was a surefire way. I can’t lose focus. There is more than me on the line. More than Renzo too. An entire county could fall if we fail. No matter how I feel or what I want, none of it matters.
“Don’t put that on my shoulders.”
“You better get dressed if you’re coming,” Renzo said as he headed to leave the tent.
“I am ready.”
Renzo spun around and asked, “Where’s your uniform?”
“I’m wearing it.”
“Ria, no way in hell you’re going out there in that thing.” Renzo pointed to her tank top.
“We’ve been through this, Ren, I’m not staying behind.”
Renzo unzipped his camo vest and let it drop to the floor. Then he pulled his camo T-shirt over his shoulders and handed it to her. “Then wear this.”
Hydria took it and said, “You want me to wear your shirt instead of mine?” He nodded. “I don’t think it’s going to fit.” His biceps were the size of her waist. It wasn’t because she was a twig, but he was built. How is it you get better looking with age?
“Then wear it over yours. You need to blend in and you . . . you stand out. Always have,” Renzo said softly.
Hydria couldn’t believe he was supportive of her decision. In all the years she’d known him, she’d never seen him concede. It had always been his way. So why not this time? She wasn’t so conceited to believe she’d outwitted him, or he’d changed his mind. There was something else, and she wished to God she knew what it was.
Renzo, don’t do this now. She needed to be ready for what was coming next, not what she wanted to do with him. Pulling his T-shirt over her head, she inhaled his musky scent. That wasn’t going to make it any easier. “Better?” Hydria knew she looked ridiculous. It felt more like an oversized dress than a shirt. But if she wanted to keep this peace, truce, or whatever it was that Renzo was going for, she wasn’t going to complain.
He walked over and spun her around by her shoulders. She felt him tug at the bottom of the T-shirt as he pulled the hem behind her. It became a more snug fit without being all bunched up. She reached behind her and felt that he’d twisted it, and fed it through the belt loops of her black jeans. It still didn’t fit, but it was more practical. I won’t look like I’m wearing a tent.
Turning back to face Renzo, she said, “Thank you.” He didn’t let go of her waist, and she could feel the heat through both layers of shirts. No matter how much she willed herself to move, she couldn’t. Apparently, Renzo faced the same issue. “Ren, we—”
“Ria, do you remember the first time you wore one of my shirts?”
Like it was yesterday. “I dropped my ice cream soda down the front of my dress. It was a cool night and you . . . you came to my rescue.”
“How is it you’re more beautiful now then back then?” He raised one hand and brushed a few strands of hair that had become free when pulling the shirt over her head. “I really wish you’d change your mind.”
She tensed up. One step forward and two back. Turning her head away from his hand, she said, “We’re going to be late.”
He cupped her face and turned her to meet his eyes. “Bennett’s not going anywhere without me.” He bent down and kissed her briefly. “And neither are you. If we are doing this, you promise to stay behind me at all times. Do exactly what I say and, hell, maybe we’ll be lucky and both get out of this alive. Can you do that?”
He kissed me. Why? She heard his words, understood them, but nothing mattered. If he was playing with her feelings, her emotions, so she’d agree, she’d hate him forever. But right now everything within her wanted and needed to believe him. What they were going to face was extremely dangerous. Someone had hired professional killers, and Bennett and this entire team was going to take them on. Renzo might be an arrogant SOB at times, but he sure as hell was someone you wanted on your side when going into battle.
While on the force she’d argued she could work with Renzo and not let their personal differences get in the way. It wasn’t their differences that concerned her right now. It was what felt right that scared her. She didn’t want Renzo looking back over his shoulder worried about her. That would put him at risk. If anything happened to him, because of her, she’d never forgive herself. She didn’t need his protection, but he might need hers. “I’m your shadow.”
He looked as though he wasn’t convinced. Then as quickly as they came together, he broke off their connection and stood up tall and strong. In a commanding tone he said, “Exactly what I say and nothing more.” Then he turned and left her alone in the tent. Confusing, mercurial man.
Cory drove and Renzo sat in the passenger’s seat. Hydria was in the back, sitting directly behind Renzo. The drive wasn’t going to take that long, but he should’ve sat back there with her. If shots rang out, he couldn’t block them from her. I should’ve said by my side, not behind me. He tried watching her in the side mirror, but he couldn’t let the others witness it. If they thought his focus was compromised, they would be right to take their concerns to Bennett. He wasn’t going to give them any cause to worry. Besides, Renzo didn’t actually work for Bennett. Turchetta’s Promise backed them up in Tabiq, pro-bono. That’s the difference between them and the paid killers they were out to find.
He peered in the mirror again, and Hydria’s long hair had come free and was blowing in the wind. You can put her in camo or a burlap bag, and she never looks like anything other than a beautiful woman. He was tempted to tell her to tie her hair up again, but right now he was enjoying the view.
Damn it. Renzo wasn’t sure if he was more pissed at Bennett or himself. His reaction when she walked in the tent was totally over the top. Bennett was right; he had no right to question who he hired. If the shoe was on the other foot, Renzo probably would’ve told Bennett to take the fucking door or shut the fuck up.
Bennett had hired someone very capable of filling the role he needed. Hell, she was more qualified than Ziva had been. Hydria was an ace shot on the shooting-range, and she could function under some real tense situations. He knew it wasn’t about her skills, it never had been. Hell, Bennett probably saw the video of her taking out that scumbag with her bare hands. Many men would be intimidated by her abilities. Not him. Renzo found them sexy as hell. Shit, there isn’t anything about her that isn’t appealing. Well, maybe her stubbornness.
That’s what scared the fuck out of him. Hydria would do anything to prove herself, even if it meant volunteering to go first. First in increased the odds of getting shot. I don’t want us losing anyone, but sure as fuck, not you, Hydria. Why can’t you see that?
Cory hit a bump, shaking the entire Jeep. Renzo grabbed the roll bar and snarled, “Let’s not get killed before we even get there.”
“Yes, sir,” Cory responded sarcastically.
The road hadn’t changed any since the last time they’d traveled it, so both men knew it wasn’t the issue. Cory was distracted and understandably so. Tony was going to make it but anytime a team member was injured, the entire team wished they could be by his side showing support. It wasn’t anything they verbalized. And if I hadn’t insisted Ria wear my T-shirt, Cory might not able to focus at all, and we’d probably be in a ditch. He’d cuss Cory out if he weren’t guilty of doing the same damn thing himself. Tell me again, Bennett, that having her here is a good idea. Because I don’t fucking see it.
“This is where we split. And, Renzo, remember we want these guys alive. We need to know who hired them and why,” Bennett instructed in the earpiece as his Jeep bore to the right. The second and third Jeeps followed. As instructed, Cory veered to the left as well as the remaining vehicles following them.
A few miles farther up the road Renzo ordered Cory to pull over. “We’re on foot the rest of the way.” He looked at Hydria, and she tied her hair back into place. Unless she was going to put herself in a paper bag, it wasn’t going to help. “Cory, come with me.”
They got out of the Jeep and walked out of hearing range of the others. What he said wouldn’t go over well if Hydria overheard. He pulled his earpiece out, and Cory did the same. It was the cue that this was a private conversation.
“You don’t have to say it,” Cory said.
“I do. We’ve both been here before. This tr
ip is Hydria’s first time. We cannot let her get taken. I’m counting on you to help me keep her safe.”
Cory looked toward Hydria. “Stone wouldn’t have hired her if she was a liability.”
“Have you guys all lost your fucking mind? Just being a woman in this fucking country makes her one. These men know we’ll do anything to protect a woman. Hell, they’re counting on it. The first chance they get, they’ll use Hydria against us.” Renzo didn’t want to think about what they’d do to her. The rebels were bad enough, but paid mercenaries were interested in nothing except making money. Who they hurt or killed didn’t matter to those bastards.
Cory shook his head. “Turchetta, I’ve been deployed in various regions of the world. I’ve been in this same situation more times than I’d like to remember. I know exactly what can and has happened to women. Tabiq isn’t the first, and unfortunately won’t be the last either. Hydria strikes me as a woman, much like Ziva, who is going into this with her eyes wide open.”
“You think I’m wrong on this?” Renzo asked angrily.
“I think you’re letting your . . . emotions cloud your judgment. If you want my opinion, Hydria should be with me, and you take one of the other guys.”
“Why the hell would I do that?”
For Justice Page 12