by Taylor Lee
“Are you okay, Princess?”
She closed her eyes for a moment then pressed her lips together in a firm line and said softly. “No, Gray, I’m not. But I will be, I promise. It’s… it’s just that the closer we get to landing, to actually seeing him, the more nervous I get.”
Gray nodded and hugged her up against him.
“That’s understandable, Darlin’. The fucker has been haunting your psyche for more than half of your life. Now you’re about to confront him in the flesh.”
Gray tightened his hold when she shivered at his apt description of her living nightmare. Brushing his lips against her hair, he flipped on the white noise gizmo on his watch and spoke softly.
“Remember, Princess, you are not alone. You have six highly accomplished warriors protecting you. Not to mention that the man who loves you more than anything in the world is at the helm. Torres may think that he can get to you, but he can’t. That said, you face a formidable task. You need to convince a criminal, an accomplished con-artist, that you were able to persuade six former military operatives that you wanted to join his illegal organization. And that you would pay them handsomely to help you do just that. It’s a challenging assignment, but one I know you can accomplish.”
Topaz sighed and rested her head against Gray’s chest. She reminded herself that she had spent the last fifteen years mapping her revenge. In the process, she had convinced the two men she loved more than anything, and their best friends, to help her go after Torres. Together they had a chance to bring down an international drug king who’d wreaked terror on a worldwide scale. She knew that for better or worse, she was the lynchpin. She also knew that if she gave into her fears, they all would likely die. She admitted that they might anyway. Feeling Gray’s strong arms around her, her resolution hardened. She’d planned for far too long, worked way too hard, and managed to convince the strongest and smartest men she knew to help her, to cave into her fears now. Her resolution was firm.
The plane landed with a soft bump and with a roar of the tires against the tarmac quickly came to a shuddering stop. Gray squeezed her hand then lifted her chin and held her gaze.
“I know I don’t have to tell you this, Topaz, but I will. In a matter of days we will leave this place and never return. Dante Torres will be dead. His drug organization will be shattered and millions of people will be freed from his horrific reign. This will happen because one very brave, very smart, very determined woman decreed that it would be so.” He continued solemnly. “Please know, Topaz, Agent Maya Taveras, Mia Kobayashi—that I am in awe of you.” He leaned over and kissed her cheek. A raffish grin flashed across his handsome face as he tugged her next to him.
“Now, Princess, it’s time to get that first class ass of yours out of that chair and off this plane. C’mon, Tiger, let’s go get us a badass drug lord!”
Bumping along the rough road that seemed to have been cut through a primeval forest, Topaz clung to Gray to keep from bouncing out of the jeep they were riding in. Heavy vines hung from trees so thick that it was as though they were travelling through a tropical jungle. They could see only glimmers of the sky through the impenetrable underbrush. Minutes later they cleared the forest and travelled up to the top of a ridge. As they came out of the dense forest, for a brief moment Topaz was almost blinded by the sunlight. The brown-skinned driver who’d introduced himself as Manuel, jerked to a stop and turned to them with a gap-toothed grin.
“Most people like us to stop here so that they can see the sights.”
When her eyes adjusted to blazing light, Topaz was struck with wonder. They were perched on the edge of a mountain ridge. From their lofty roost they had a 360 degree panoramic view of the incredible sights below. The dazzling azure sea reflected the cloudless bright blue sky above. Palm trees and lush vegetation lined the white sandy beaches ringed by the lapping sea. It was as though they’d been plucked from the plane and placed on a tiny spot in an endless ocean. The sight was awe inspiring—and a little frightening. Topaz shuddered, wondering for a brief moment how it was possible for such a tiny speck of land to keep from being swallowed up by the vast ocean.
She was relieved when Manuel started down the winding dirt road and entered what looked like another forest. However, unlike the impenetrable one they’d first driven through, this particular forest was a panoply of bright colors and magnificent fragrances. Topaz sucked in a deep breath, feeling as though she’d been plunged into the middle of a tropical utopia rife with multi-hued vegetation, an array of brightly colored flowers and chirping birds.
“Damn, Princess. Dakila wasn’t blowing smoke up our asses. This place. We just might have landed in paradise.”
Gray’s exclamation confirmed that he was as much in awe by the magnificent sights as she was.
Noah, who was sitting with Ruby in the seat behind them, seconded Gray. “Damn, dude. If I wasn’t seeing all of this with my own eyes there’s no way I would believe it. Even so, it’s almost impossible to describe.”
Gray whistled in agreement then said in a voice filled with wonder, “And Christ, we haven’t even gotten to the compound yet.”
At that moment the skilled driver took a dizzying turn that had them clinging to the roll bar in front of them. Gray barked an excited laugh and pulled her close.
“Hang on, Princess. Apparently we ain’t seen nuthin’ yet!”
Stunned by the sights scrolling in front of them, Topaz was overwhelmed. She’d known that Dante would have a beautiful estate, but the complex they were entering defied mortal description. It was as though the architect had found every ridge, every jutting outcropping of rock and created a way to attach a low slung building or glassed wall to the overhanging precipice. Sprinkled among the artfully designed structures were bright blue swimming pools. Topaz counted three of them and for the first time saw people. And what people they were. Gorgeous women, most of whom were bare breasted or totally naked, cavorted in the rock-lined swimming pools. Not to be outdone by the spectacular women, a variety of multi-hued men—each of whom would give Adonis a run for his money—frolicked with the stunning women. Together the women and the men comprised an astonishing display of human pulchritude.
Topaz shook herself out of her dazed reflections when Manuel stopped in front of a glass-walled structure. He hopped out of the jeep and moved quickly to her side. He opened the gated door and offered her his hand, helping her out of the jeep. In seconds Gray had cleared the door and was at her side.
The driver motioned for them to follow him and said politely, “This is your villa, Madam and Sir.”
He waved his hand and another brown-skinned man in brightly colored shorts and a tank top appeared.
Speaking to Noah and Ruby, Manuel said, “This is José. He will take you to your villa which is next door.”
The four of them stood to the side as the two servants unloaded the jeep and then led them down a winding stone-covered path that veered off in two directions.
After they entered the imposing structure that Manuel signified was theirs, Manuel took his time leading them from room to room. The villa was an artfully designed edifice of glass and stone. The back wall of the spacious living room was built into the rocky cliff, creating a stunning marriage of modern architecture and natural beauty. After an in-depth tour of the chateau, Manuel pointed to the telephone console on the counter.
“If you need anything, simply lift the receiver. An attendant will immediately respond.” As he turned to leave, Manuel said, “Señor Torres has invited you to sup with him in his private dining room at 8 p.m. An attendant will be available to guide you to the Señor’s villa.”
When the door closed behind the polite man, Topaz closed her eyes fighting against the wave of dizziness that threatened to swamp her. If Gray hadn’t reached for her she was sure she would’ve fainted. Gasping for air, she was startled to feel her heart pounding against her chest. She looked up at Gray wide-eyed and stammered, “I… I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I… I
can’t breathe.…”
Gray scooped her up in his arms and held her tight against him.
His voice was firm.
“Yes, you can. Not only can you breathe, but you’re going to be fine.”
He strode over to the one of the oversized chairs and sat down, holding her in his lap. She huddled against him, desperately trying to draw strength from his powerful body. He tipped up her chin and forced her to look at him.
“Princess, listen to me. You are the strongest woman I know. You have a strength of character that no piece-of-shit drug lord could ever possess. You are more than capable of confronting Dante Torres. If anything the fucking son of a bitch should be quaking in his boots at the thought of meeting you.” He held her close for several moments rubbing her back and crooning comforting words in her ear. When her breath became less ragged, he rose up and stood her on the floor in front of him.
Pointing to the bathroom he said, “I’m going to draw a bath for you and you are going to soak in it as long as you need to. When you are finished, you’re going to rest until you’re ready to dress for dinner tonight. If you don’t mind, Princess, I would like to choose the dress that I think you should wear.”
When she didn’t answer, he held her gaze for a long moment and then asked quietly. “Who is Dante Torres, Topaz?”
She hesitated, then met his fierce glare. Pressing her lips together she said resolutely, “Dante Torres is a dead man walking.”
A blinding grin lit his handsome face and he drawled, “That’s my girl. And, Princess, you are so right. If Dante Torres has a brain in his head, he should be afraid. Very afraid.”
Chapter 23
“How is she doing, Gray? I don’t have to tell you she looked shell-shocked when we split from you two.”
Noah huffed a hard sigh and added, “Not that I can blame her. Ruby and I are overwhelmed and we don’t have the history with Torres that Topaz has.”
Gray nodded in agreement. Before he could answer, there was a knock on the door. Opening it, Gray motioned for Jase to enter.
The Irishman looked around the spacious living room and whistled.
“Christ, man, your digs are even more spectacular than ours. Tell me, since when doesn’t crime pay? Fuck it, dudes, maybe we should suck up to Torres for real. Sapphire is next door oohing and ahhing over each new treasure she spots. Hell, it’s gonna be hard to go back to our new condo that we thought was hot shit until we saw this! But first, tell me—how is Topaz? Sapphire and I are both worried about her.”
Gray sighed and glanced toward the bedroom.
“She’s resting now. I managed to get her into the swimming pool-sized bathtub in our ‘bathroom,’ that looks more like a fucking spa, and then hustled her into the king-sized bed. She actually managed to fall asleep. She’s clearly exhausted, physically and emotionally.”
He looked around the spacious room then huffed hard sigh.
“As for our ‘digs,’ overwhelming doesn’t begin to describe this place. I feel like Sapphire. Everywhere I look I spot another beautiful piece of art or some amazing architectural detail that I hadn’t noticed before. I gotta tell you, I hope that Dante Torres just knows how to hire the best, that he isn’t as sophisticated and knowledgeable about the finer things in life as this place implies. Like you, Jase, it kinda makes me wonder if we aren’t in the wrong profession.”
He grunted and moved toward the well-stocked bar and took down several glasses. Motioning to the array of bottles on the shelves, he asked, “What’ll it be, men? Trust me, whatever suits your fancy, it’s here. I got a sneaking feeling that our skilled host has done his research. There isn’t a kind of booze or a brand that I’ve imbibed over the last couple of years that isn’t represented here. It would be impressive if it weren’t downright scary.”
He opened a bottle of Glenmorangie and poured three glasses then motioned for his friends to join him on the patio.
“The bigger problem is that the research he did on me doesn’t begin to describe what he did on Topaz. He knows what she likes down to the bubble bath she soaks in, not to mention the brand of designer sheets she prefers. It would be impressive, if it weren’t so Goddamned intrusive. Christ, it’s like he’s claiming her all over again.”
Before his friends could answer, Gray placed a sound blocker on the table.
He snorted and said, “Don’t know how many ‘bugs’ you guys found, but I swept this place and counted fourteen—plus eight fucking cameras, including the three in the bedroom. Thank God, we have the latest and greatest blockers or I swear to God, I wouldn’t allow Topaz to undress in this fucking place.”
Gray settled into his chair and sipped thoughtfully on his Scotch then glanced at his friends, both of whom were looking at him, concern on their faces. Huffing a hard sigh, he sought to reassure them.
“Look, guys, I’m venting. I’m not as overwhelmed as I seem. If anything I’m more determined than ever that we’re going to take this son of a bitch down—hard and fast! I’m not going to let Topaz spend one minute more than necessary in this fucking Garden of Evil.”
Jase grunted appreciatively.
“You summed it up, buddy. That’s exactly what this place is. Just to reassure you, our getaway guys are in place. They’re anchored off shore, but they’ll be ready to move when we are. Hell, man, we could move as early as tonight if we’re ready.”
Gray shook his head. “That would be great, but not possible. Don’t forget. The only reason the feds are helping us is because in addition to taking down Torres we’ve promised to take down his organization.” He turned to Noah. “On that point, how many guys have we managed to get into his inner circle?”
“I don’t know how you did it, Gray, but we have no fewer than ten men working in this evil paradise. Every one of them is a technical as well as a tactical genius. You must have called in every chit you have, man. Fucking impressive.”
“Wish I could take the credit. And, yeah, I do have a hell of a lot of backers in the active and retired ranks, but the primary reason we’re as thick as we are is Ian.” He sighed disparagingly. “Christ, how could I ever think that we could’ve pulled this off without the boss man?” At the sound of a knock, Gray barked a harsh laugh. “Speaking of whom, that has to be Ian now. I told him we were going to do a sit rep before dinner and that he needed to join us.”
After updating Ian on their progress and going over the evening’s plans for what seemed like the hundredth time, Gray turned to his team. His voice was low, stoked with a quiet rage that he could feel reverberating in his bones. “As important as it is that we get Torres’s organization, our primary goal is to take down Torres. I’m making all of you a solemn promise. If it is the last thing I do in this crazy life of mine, I intend to take that fucker down in the most egregious way possible.”
Noah raised his glass and said “Here, here.”
In response, all four men clinked their glasses in a solemn, unspoken pledge.
After a long moment of silence, Ian glanced at the doorway.
“Where is Topaz, Gray? I’d like to see her before we go to dinner.”
Gray shook his head. “She’s resting, Ian. I want to let her sleep as long as she can. There’s no way that we can put ‘Shinola on the shit’ that’s going to go down tonight. It will take everything Topaz has to face Torres. The best we can do is ensure that he doesn’t get her alone. But right now she needs to rest.”
~~~
Topaz lay on her back refusing to open her eyes. She knew when she did she would have to admit that she was awake, which would mean that she’d have to get up. She lay quietly for several moments, listening to the murmur of voices. She was sure that Gray and the other men were going over last minute plans. It was interesting that even though she heard the sound of voices she couldn’t distinguish the words. She now knew enough about the highly trained team she was working with to know that Gray had swept their Villa for listening devices and no doubt had a white noise device that would make it
impossible to overhear their actual conversation. She had a hard thought: there might also be hidden cameras in the Villa… but quickly reassured herself that if there had been cameras, there wouldn’t be any now.
Topaz forced herself to concentrate on her instructions from Gray. It was the only way that she could keep from thinking about Dante. Which was a challenge. His presence was everywhere. He felt literally omnipresent. At the same time, everything seemed familiar. She knew he’d intended to make her feel this way. As if she belonged here. All of the products in the bathroom were the ones she had used for years. Even her favorite perfume, La Panthere Cartier, was on the elaborate marble countertop. She knew that Gray had also noticed. His expression had darkened visibly when he saw the familiar bottle.
Knowing that sleep was a thing of the past, Topaz forced herself to get out of bed. Glancing at the clock, she was pleased to see that it was after seven o’clock. That meant she had less than an hour to do her hair and makeup and dress for dinner, tasks which she hoped would help to keep Dante from invading her thoughts.
She was pleased to see the dress that Gray had laid out for her to wear. It was the gorgeous white sheathe riddled with miniscule glass beads that made the entire creation sparkle. She’d loved the dress when she saw it on the hanger and had to admit that Sapphire and Ruby were right. They’d both clapped their hands and crowed with delight when she’d slipped it on. Even Diamond had smiled when she saw it on her—as if Topaz had finally done something right.
Forty-five minutes later and with ten minutes to spare before their command performance, she was ready to join Gray. A final glance in the mirror confirmed that she looked as good as she ever had. Her gleaming black hair hung in a shiny curtain around her shoulders and down her back. Sapphire had worked with her on her makeup and Topaz was gratified to see how her fellow agent’s expert suggestions had paid off. The topaz-colored eyeshadow and gold eyeliner made her unusual eyes even more dramatic. The tawny blush on her cheeks emphasized her high cheekbones and warm, golden brown skin. And even Topaz was impressed with how the pearlescent lip gloss made her full lips look even plumper and more enticing somehow.