by Taylor Lee
After several hours of arduous planning and at Jax’s insistence, they’d gone over the plan multiple times, and he conceded they were as ready as they could be. The challenge for Jax was that the plan required Viviana to not only confirm the El Blanco members’ presence but also get irrefutable proof that El Blanco was providing financial support to the Vega campaign. To do that, she would need to be an integral part of the campaign’s inner circle. After much discussion, she was able to convince Jax the easiest way for her to insinuate herself into the heart of the campaign was to make an overt play for Enrique.
That the woman he loved more than life itself was the lynchpin, to be honest, the bait, in the dangerous plan they’d conceived tore at Jax’s psyche. The only reason he agreed to allow her to waltz into a literal den of thieves and take them down was because he knew if anyone could do it, Viviana could. He also knew that anyone who tried to hurt her would have to go through him. Fortunately, he was arrogant enough to believe that was an impossible task—even for a despicable gang of soulless international murderers.
****
Enrique’s grin split his face as he rose to his feet and strode to meet her. Reaching for her hand, he pulled her up next to him. Gazing into her eyes, his voice was filled with wonder. “Damn, Viviana, I can hardly believe what I’m hearing. After seeing Chief Hughes in action the other night, I assumed that you would no longer be permitted to see me, much less join me in the campaign.”
Viviana snorted dismissively. “It’s clear that you don’t know me as well as you should, Enrique. Yes, Jaxton Hughes is an impressive man if you’re into extraordinarily arrogant, controlling men. Unfortunately for Chief Hughes, I have never been one to bow down to bossy men. Once again, Jax overstepped his bounds, and at my insistence, we agreed that we need time away from one another.”
Enrique sounded skeptical. “While I’m delighted that you want to join us at the Oakland rally, I admit I’m cautious. Are you sure you aren’t using the campaign to rub Chief Hughes’s nose in the fact that he overstepped?”
Viviana laughed a trilling sound. “What if I am, Enrique? Do you object to helping me put an arrogant man in his place?”
“Of course I’m pleased to help, Viviana. If anyone needs to be taken down a peg or two, it is Chief Hughes. But I will be honest. It shouldn’t surprise you that my goal is to be more than a pawn on your chessboard, merely a means to taunt your arrogant lover.”
Viviana let the silence stand for a long moment, then spoke carefully. “I will also be honest, Enrique. I would be lying if I said the only reason I want to go to Oakland with you is to get away from Jax. It . . . it’s about more than that. This last week has been one of the most momentous in my life. Standing beside you on the stage, hearing you eloquently address the issues that have consumed my life . . . I’ve never felt as energized. It’s not only your commitment to the causes I care deeply about. To be frank, Enrique, it is about you. I’m coming to believe that if,—make that when—you are elected governor, you will actually be able to reverse the hideous toll that drug and human trafficking has taken on our country.”
She hesitated for a minute and then said with a dismissive laugh, “Forgive me if I sound like I drank the Kool-Aid. But it became clear to me when I was working with my team yesterday, trying to stop the gang war raging in San Jose, how futile our efforts are. Yes, we might be able to take down one or more of the gang leaders, but within months, another will come to power in his place. It just seems so pointless. What do I care if they kill each other off? I’d much rather be with forward-thinking evangelists like you, who are courageous enough to try to rewrite the entire landscape.”
When Enrique frowned at her and was silent for a moment, Viviana hoped she hadn’t gone too far. After all, the guy was hardly a neophyte. She sniffed, reminding herself that he was as consummate a performer as she was. She was relieved when he responded seemingly sincerely.
“I’m overwhelmed, Viviana. I admit I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to take you home from the hotel the other night. That said, I hope after the Oakland rally we can find time to be alone together. I value your insights and . . . I value you.” He was silent, then said softly, “You know that don’t you, Viviana?”
Viviana waited, then chose her words carefully, allowing him to make what he would of her layered response. “Yes, I do know that, Enrique. And yes, I agree. We do need time alone.”
****
Pacing across the room, Jax ran his hands distractedly through his hair. That no one spoke, not even the dependably irreverent Mick O’Reilly, confirmed that his team was as confounded by the conversation they’d overheard as he was. Turning to face the men who were silently staring at him, Jax blew out a hard sigh and said tersely, “I hope you all know the magnitude of what we are asking Sergeant Moreau to do. We are literally throwing her into a swamp that includes men as dangerous as any we’ve encountered. While we are prepared to intervene, I trust that none of us is so naïve as to dismiss the hellhole and danger we have put her in.”
Serge articulated what the rest of the men were undoubtedly feeling. “As hard as it is to let her walk into that fetid swamp, you gotta know, Jax, there isn’t a man among us who isn’t determined to bring her home safe. And yes, we know she’s in danger. But the plan we developed under your leadership is as foolproof as it can be. And damn, man, I’ve seen some accomplished agents in my time, you chief among them, but I gotta tell you that sassy babe of yours puts us all to shame.”
Jax stopped pacing and forced himself to smile at Serge’s on-target assessment. “Yes, Serge, she does that and so much more. And yes, our plan, as far as it goes, is foolproof. When it goes to shit as we all know it will—like every other plan we design—I can only pray that we can get her out of there in one piece.”
When no one took issue with his grim assessment, Jax didn’t bother to hide the rage he was feeling and declared in a low voice riddled with danger, “As for Enrique Vega, gentlemen? He’s mine. Mine and mine alone.”
Chapter 30
Viviana stood beside the stage where Enrique was being mobbed by a ravenous press corp. Being a media darling herself, she admitted that the frantic onslaught of reporters, cameramen, and television correspondents mobbing the charismatic man was impressive. Knowing the arduous tasks she needed to perform tonight, she’d purposefully distanced herself from the excited throng. She was glad she had when Sonia Vega, her first target, approached.
“I’m surprised to see you standing off to the side, Sergeant Moreau. I didn’t know there was a media opportunity you didn’t grab on to. I’m surprised you aren’t up there beside Enrique, claiming success for his accomplishments.”
Not missing the rancor in Sonia Vega’s voice underscored by the heat flashing in her coal-black eyes, Viviana shrugged and said pleasantly, “Now, why would I want to do that, Sonia? If anyone deserves credit for Enrique’s astonishing success besides him, it is you and Nicolas. You have believed in him and been behind him from the beginning. I’m merely an afterthought. The cherry on the sundae, so to speak.”
Apparently not interested in playing nice, Sonia’s lip curled in a sneer. “I admit, Sergeant, I was surprised to hear from Enrique that you’ve rejoined the campaign. Did your handsome police chief let out your leash, or are you playing hooky?”
Knowing she was on the mic, Viviana took the opportunity to tease Jax and at the same time rub salt in Sonia’s wounds. “Actually, Sonia, I have you to thank for my being here. You alerted me to Jax’s extracurricular activities—such as playing with that little trust fund princess—and I decided to take a break from my arrogant chief.” She glanced up at Enrique prancing across the stage and said with a simpering smile, “After all, as we both know, what’s good for the goose is . . . ”
Viviana managed to brush up against the angry woman as Sonia stormed away. Serge had armed her with a grab bag of exotic tracking devices, ones that wouldn’t be available to the military and police for years to come. When
she was sure Sonia was out of earshot, she murmured into her mic, “Strike one. Now all of you can hear the nasty things Mrs. Vega is saying about sweet little ole me.”
She wasn’t surprised to hear Jax’s chortle and murmured threat. “Just know, Sergeant, your chief is keeping track of your transgressions. We’ll settle up . . . later.”
“Still playing with fire, Sergeant Moreau?”
Viviana managed to squelch her surprise at Nicolas’s presence behind her. Tossing him a grin, Viviana acknowledged the handsome man whose hard eyes belied his pleasant demeanor. Blowing out a sigh, she said as if in apology, “What can I say, Nicolas. It’s just that even when I try to be good, it’s an effort—and not always a successful one.” Eyeing Sonia’s furious retreat, she added, “Besides, some people are so easy to annoy, it’s hard to resist.”
Nicolas chuckled. “Yes, Sergeant, I’ll grant you that. But even as accomplished a provocateur as you are, surely you are aware of that tried and true warning, ‘hell hath no fury . . . ’ ”
Viviana said with an impudent shrug, “Are you implying that I should be afraid of Mrs. Vega?”
Nicolas quirked an ironic brow. “Ah, that I would be so foolish as to give the Enchantress advice regarding matters of the heart . . . let alone . . . libido.” He added with a grim smile, “I concede to your expertise in that arena, madam.”
Viviana pursed her lips together, then said, “My goodness, Nicolas, I would have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to know that you are warning me.”
Nicolas shrugged. “Suffice it to say that it hasn’t gone unnoticed that you and your police chief have an interesting relationship.”
“I don’t know what to say, Nicolas. Except to ask why the hell are all of you interested in my love life? I would think you have more important issues to be concerned about, such as winning this campaign.”
Nicolas’s expression hardened. “That we do. It’s just that my candidate is more than mildly interested in having you involved in the campaign. Frankly, Sergeant, I can’t help but wonder at your intentions.”
Viviana didn’t hide her annoyance. “Really, Nicolas, Enrique is a big boy. He can take care of himself.”
“I never doubted that in the past, Viviana.” Nicolas shot her a narrowed gaze. “But you, madam, are an original . . . in every way. I’ll be honest, Sergeant Moreau. I’m beginning to think we have a chance to win this fucking thing as long as we get the next infusion of cash.” When she didn’t answer, he said, “We have some very important people counting on him and, frankly, on me. We need Enrique at one hundred fifty percent. We can’t afford to have him distracted. I’m confident you understand that, Sergeant.”
Viviana watched him walk away, then murmured to her wired audience, “Hmm, I don’t want to unnecessarily toot my own horn, but if I were to grade my performance to date, I would give me at least five stars out of five.”
“If having two of your most dangerous opponents thoroughly angry and on guard was your goal, I would have to agree, Sergeant,” Jax intoned with a wry chuckle.
As she went back to her hotel room to dress for the celebration party, Viviana cautioned herself. Jax was right. She couldn’t get too cocky. Given how challenging her assignment was, not to mention how dangerous, she had to be constantly on guard. Knowing that Jax and the rest of the team could hear every word she said was comforting. But c’mon, she congratulated herself—give credit where credit was due. It wasn’t her big, burly superhero guys who managed to plant a mic on both Sonia and Nicolas, not to mention her most significant coup. On the way back to her hotel room, she’d slipped unnoticed into the private sitting room the staff had commandeered as an office. In one swift move, she inserted a thumb drive into the main computer, giving her team access to all the campaign’s information. She snorted softly, thinking for the hundredth time how glad she was to be on a team that had entre to Serge’s mind-blowing, state-of-the-art spy toys.
Viviana was leaving her room to go down to the ballroom when she heard a sound. She emitted a surprised squeak when Enrique grabbed her from behind.
“God, Enrique, you startled me. What . . . what are you doing here?” Trying to cover her surprise, Viviana did her best to appear nonchalant. Unable to ignore the intense expression on Enrique’s face, her guard went up.
His slight sneer and what could only be a threat confirmed that she had a right to be concerned. “What am I doing here, Viviana? Coming to your room? Hmm, did you think that your arrogant police chief is the only demanding man in your life?”
Twisting her arm behind her back, Enrique wrestled the room key out of her hand. Before she could resist, he opened the door and shoved her back into the room ahead of him. Feeling him pressing his obvious arousal against her, Viviana managed to wrest free, putting distance between them. Glancing at the bulge in the front of his trousers, she raised her hands protectively in front of her.
“Enrique, are you crazy? We can’t do this.” She corrected herself. “Not now. Everyone is downstairs waiting for you. For God’s sake, we can’t just waltz into the party together. You know what they will think.”
He glared at her. “What will they think, Viviana? That I’ve captured you? Maybe dragged you up here into your room? That I might throw you against the wall and have my way with you?”
At her shocked gasp, he sneered. “I think you established the other night at the hotel, Viviana, that you like your sex rough, correct?”
“What are you talking about, Enrique? I want you to stop. Now!”
He shook his head. “Surely you know the erotic tale that circulated minutes after that goddamn fucking police chief chased you out of the ballroom? Hell, Sergeant, if it didn’t infuriate me as much as it did, I might be impressed by that arrogant fucker. He sure knows how to handle a feisty woman.”
“Enrique, this is insane. I don’t know what you’re talking about, and I insist that we leave now. This won’t work. Jesus, all of your supporters are waiting for you. You can’t disappoint them.”
He hesitated, then eyed her coldly. “You’re probably right. We do need to go down. But I want you to know, Viviana, Jax Hughes isn’t the only man who knows how to tame a brazen woman. Even one as accomplished as you.” He stepped back, a sinister expression tightening his jaw. His voice was taut with suppressed anger. “You need to know, Viviana, I’ve learned the way to succeed in this world is never let anyone take advantage of you. That includes you, my lovely Enchantress.”
He reached for her arm and jerked her up next to him. In a low growl, he threatened her. “You’re done taunting me, Enchantress. I’m going to teach you things that your fucking police chief never dreamed of. Know that tonight will end very differently than the other night when you kicked me out of your room.”
When she didn’t answer, he ordered, “Tell me, Viviana. Tell me you understand that tonight is going to be different.”
Viviana managed to free herself from his hard grasp and answered carefully as she reached for the doorknob. “I understand, Enrique, and I agree. Tonight is going to be different. Unlike any night either of us has had.” She added as she moved into the hallway, “That I promise you. It will be . . . unforgettable.”
****
Jax shoved out a hard breath when Greg threw his arm around his shoulders and hugged him close. “Hang in there, buddy.” Greg added fiercely, “Listen to her, Jax. She can handle him, dude. She’s a pro. It’s too soon to spike the football.”
Jax managed to grunt, a gruff sound contorted with rage. “Agreed. But soon, Commander Bannon. Soon.”
Chapter 31
Nicolas was waiting for them when the elevator door opened. The dark expression on his face confirmed his anxiety.
Enrique assumed a nonchalance Viviana was confident he was far from feeling. “What’s up, buddy? Did you think the Enchantress and I were going to play hooky?”
Nicolas’s voice was uncharacteristically constrained. “Uh, no, man. We both know how important this next meeting is.�
� He added with an obvious attempt at humor, “Sorry, buddy. No ‘hooky’ allowed. At least at this time.”
“No worries, Nicolas, I wouldn’t miss this party for anything.”
Viviana added with a smile, “Nor would I, Nicolas. I apologize if we are tardy.”
Nicolas waved his hand at the crowd visible through the ballroom doorway and said with his more customary grin, “Well then, you both need to prepare to meet your fans. Better you know now, Enrique, this crowd is more excited about meeting the Enchantress than the next governor of California.”
Viviana engaged in a lively conversation with the eager fans surrounding her. She didn’t give away the fact that she was listening to the pre-raid sit rep from Jax’s teams in and around the hotel ballroom. From the various reports, it was clear that the teams were poised to strike.
Acknowledging the sound of a droning helicopter, Jax’s low voice confirmed the prize was at hand. “Gentlemen and lovely lady, the Eagle has landed.” He added with a wry chuckle, “Or in this case, as Hector warned Hercules, the Vulture has landed.”
Mick’s awed interjection was laced with hero-worship. “Fuck it, Jax, no wonder you’ve captured the Enchantress. Who else would quote the Greeks to announce the fuckin’ cartel’s arrival?”
Nicolas approached Enrique and inadvertently confirmed the message Viviana had heard over her com. Nodding to Sonia, who was waiting by the door to the conference room, he said, “Enrique, we have company.” Seeing the heated conversation among Enrique, Nicolas, and Sonia, Viviana saw them all looking her way as if deciding to include her. She smiled when Nicolas broke away and approached her. “C’mon, Enchantress, if you’re going to be part of the campaign’s inner circle, you need to meet our financiers.”
Viviana followed him into the interior room that was open to the balcony overlooking the hotel grounds. She managed to hide her anticipation when she recognized three of the compelling men waiting for them. Recognizing the smallish Hispanic man with the quizzical expression on his face after he greeted Enrique and planted a kiss on Sonia’s cheek, Viviana was certain the excitement churning in her gut was visible.