by Hilary Storm
“Captain Harris and Captain Elliott of the United States Army Special Forces. Harris is a translator and one hell of a shooter. He’s confident in everything he does.” I pause briefly. Christ, I know these guys, they love women as much as I do, but neither one of them has battled alongside one before. My temper flares before I even tell them about her. I slam it back down my throat before they catch wind to the fact there’s more to me and Jade than what I’m about to tell them.
“And Elliott?” Kase presses.
“Captain Jade Elliott,” I announce.
“What? A woman? Explain, asshole.” Pierce slams his beer down on the desk.
“I’ve heard of her. She’s the first woman to make it through Ranger school. Well, there were several of them, but fuck, I had no idea she was on this last mission with you.” There are a lot of things about her they don’t know, and I need to keep it that way. My hands want to clench in a fist and punch him in his damn mouth for his reaction.
“She’s damn good. Not only did she save my life out there by killing a young boy we never saw, but she can shoot like no one else I’ve ever seen, and I mean ever. She’s good, really fucking good, and I want her.” They both look at me like I’ve lost my mind or I’m growing another head and it doesn’t resemble the one currently sitting on my shoulders.
“What the hell do you mean you want her? Have you been fucking her?” My anger spreads from Pierce to Kase when he talks to me like he’s my parent.
“Hell, no. What the hell is your problem? She’s a woman. And a soldier. A damn fine one. She’s willing to give up her career for this, just like Harris. The only difference between the two of them is, she has a pussy and he has a dick. But that woman has balls like a damn man when it comes to her job. She’s dedicated.” I need to shut the fuck up about her. The three of us are partners, yes, but each one of us has a specialty in how we run our business, and they damn well know mine is setting up the best team I can find.
“You like her,” Pierce says more out of curiosity than a question.
“Of course I do. She’s a damn good soldier.” He smirks at my answer.
“That’s not what I mean and you know it, Maverick. You like this woman. She means something to you. I can see it all over your damn face. There’s no denying it. Shit, man. I hope to god you know what the fuck you're doing.” I stand there for the longest damn time, my gaze darting back and forth between my two best friends. My brothers.
“Listen. I’m not going into details with the two of you about what’s happening between Jade and I, but come the fuck on. Do you really think I would jeopardize anyone’s life? This woman knows what the hell she’s doing, and for the two of you to say otherwise is nothing but pure bullshit.” I sink my ass down in the chair and let them think about their reaction to what they are actually saying. It’s wrong.
“We know you wouldn’t put anyone’s life on the line. That’s not what the problem is here. The problem is you. I’m concerned for you. Can you handle being out there with her? Watching her back while still leading this team?” Kase asks. Then he slugs down the rest of his beer.
“I get it. And I’m damn happy for you, man. I truly am. I hope she’s the one; hell, I would gladly welcome her into our family if she is. We just need to know that your head is clear and that you shoved aside the fact you care about her. If you can look at us and tell us you can, then great. This conversation is over. Done. But if you lie to us like you did when you said you weren’t fucking her, then man, we have a serious fucking problem here. These orders come from The President. You need to keep your shit under control. Let her do her job and get all of us the hell out of there.” Kase rubs his hand across his forehead in complete testiness.
“I can handle it. She was with me once before, remember? That’s where it all started. I completed my mission, successfully I might add. Trust me, I know what I’m doing. The choice is yours to believe me or not. And I get where you're coming from. Who knows, if the tables were turned, I might feel the same way. I’m asking you this though. And listen to me, okay? She doesn’t want you two to know. In fact, I gave her my word I wouldn’t tell you.” Kase’s lips twitch. Pierce doesn’t hesitate to lean his head back and fucking laugh. The bastard. This shit means something to her and he’s laughing.
“What the fuck, asshole?” I lean forward and punch him in the gut. This is serious shit.
“You, man. Your head’s tripping over this chick. I fucking love it. Now I really can’t wait to meet her. Hell, I’m counting the days down now.” And fuck me. Just like that, the three of us sit around, finish up our business, and call it a night. The last thing I say as I walk out the door is, “Keep your eyes off of her. If you even look at her ass, I swear to fucking god I will shove a stick of dynamite up yours and light that bitch.”
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
JADE
Kaleb reached out to both Harris and I, saying he needs us to fly to the compound. He's sending a private plane, and we’re supposed to be there tonight to meet the entire team and organize the Intel they've received on our guy. My nerves are a little shot about this mission, but I'm sure it's just that I'm going in with only Harris and Maverick at my back as of right now. I'm hoping I'll feel better once I meet them all.
My emotions are mixed with the nerves of the mission and with meeting Kaleb’s two best friends.
“I wish you weren't leaving. Can you please promise you'll call me as soon as you can? I can tell you guys are all up to something big, and I'll respect you enough to not ask any questions.” Mallory throws her arms around my shoulders before she pulls me in tight for a nice hug.
“I'll call when I can.” I hold her just as tight.
“I know you will eventually, but shit, I'm worried, so please make it soon.” I need to go. My head needs to be in the game, so I pull away from her. I can’t be touched right now, not even in a caring way. It’s time to get my head on straight for this mission.
“Be ready for that pamper day you keep asking me about. I'm due for one soon, and it would be a great thing to look forward to when I get back,” I say truthfully.
“For sure. Now please be careful, and if you get a chance to talk good about me to Beau, I'd really appreciate it.”
“You know I will, but you have to tell me how it all went at the ranch.” My phone begins to vibrate mid-sentence. It's Harris. Shit, that was fast.
“Elliott, I'm pulling onto your street now, we have to leave, so meet me outside.” He seems stressed and bossy as hell, but I begin to grab my single bag of belongings, knowing I won't have much room for anything on this mission.
“Mal, I have to go now. I love you, girl, and I'll be in touch as soon as I can.”
“Love you too. Be safe.” I turn and walk out the door as I let the rush of the situation wash over me. I didn't dare tell her how dangerous this mission is. I could never deal with the look on her face if she realized the severity of this. My mom and dad kept telling me to be safe too when I called them to cancel. Of course I'll be safe. There's no other option.
“You ready to do this?” Harris is walking up the driveway when I step outside.
“You bet your ass.” Confidence and clarity are vital. I'll be using this flight to get my clarity in check. My confidence comes easy.
We both start talking about what we know about the mission, which isn't much. The drive to the private plane is very short, and there's an oversized hanger we’re instructed to pull his truck inside of. I grab my bag and take a deep breath. Harris just moves without a thought, so I draw from his courage at the moment and step out of the truck to start this journey.
“Morning. Captain Harris and Captain Elliott, I'll be your pilot.” I watch a massive silhouette walk into the hanger out of the bright sunshine. His swagger is cocky and confident, and I'm instantly intrigued.
“Name is Trevor. We don't have time for you to gawk at me, ma’am. We have to move.” Harris smiles as we both walk, directly following this Trevor guy. My eyes do
fall on his perfect ass for a short second before I catch myself. Shit, I’m going to have to watch that.
The flight takes a few hours, and Harris and I don't talk much. He talks to the pilot as we fly across part of the US, and I find my peace and clarity.
This is my life now. Exactly what I'm trained to do and the very thing I prayed I'd have the opportunity to be a part of. A mission like this only comes to an elite group, and I'm now going on two back to back. Going AWOL was an easy decision once I found out who we’re going in for. My superior didn't give me any issues when I reported my status. I didn't share any details about this mission with him, which he didn't ask about either. He seemed more concerned about me having clearance from the psych evaluations.
My mind shifts to Kaleb. Honestly, I'm excited to see this side of him. Not many men can lead something like this using only private resources. His dedication to his career is evident in the way this is all playing out, and I can't tell you how sexy that is to me. A man who knows what he wants and goes after it is a man who gets things done. He's determined, and I can only hope he continues to be focused on me once we all return from this mission.
We land before I know it, and this is when everything goes quickly. We follow Trevor into a Hummer that's waiting for us, drive a few minutes across a field, then pull up next to a log house that appears to be very new. I'm working overtime to pull in all I can as I look around to know my surroundings. Three more log cabin style homes in view and a dog on my left. Two men standing next to a helicopter and another three in front of the house we pull up to. Movement toward us pulls my focus back to the men by the helicopter.
Once we’re all standing near, Kaleb steps out of the house, and I feel my tension decrease. My anxiety falls slightly, and I don't miss his stare straight into my heart. The hungry look in his eyes matches mine, and I decide right then that he matches my cravings when it comes to the adrenaline of this kind of stuff.
“Captain Elliott, Captain Harris, this is my team. You've met the pilot Steele, this is Bullet, Tank, Ace, and Vice, and that grinning fool over there is Action Jackson. Everyone come inside, so I can brief you before we leave out.”
He stands holding the front door open, allowing everyone through as he watches me. I wait till the end to walk up and feel the warmth of his smile move over me in this otherwise cold situation. Tension is definitely in the air when I step through the door and look at the men standing together in the large living area. A few begin to sit at the long dining room table, so the rest of us follow.
“We don't have much time. Pierce, get the images up.” He brushes his hand across my back as he passes me to take his spot at the head of the table, allowing him access to the technology surrounding us. The guy he called Ace earlier begins to put information on the large wall behind Kaleb’s back.
“This is Al-Quaren. He has a few look-a-likes surrounding him at all times, so we’re looking for these specific markings.” He shows scars on the target’s arm and neck as well as a small mole on the side of his face. His features are hard to see with the thaub he seems to always wear. “I need him alive. We go in and pick him up. If you're in this room, I expect you to have anyone else's back in here as if you'd have mine. This is a big mission for me before I take some much needed fucking time off. These orders came from The President himself, so don't fuck this up.”
“We’re flying in tonight then immediately boarding a waiting truck . We’ll reach the drop locations later that night. We’ll go in, fuck shit up, grab his ass, and then get the fuck out. Here are the pictures of his pussy sidekicks you have my permission to blow their heads off once you verify it's not our guy.” He begins to show us pictures of five men who look very similar. I work to notice noses, lips, and eyes, focusing on the slightest differences.
“Each of you will have a packet with all of this information. I want you studying the shit out of it on the flight. Know these fuckers like you'd know your own mom before we land that bird.”
I stop obsessing just slightly, knowing I'll have another chance to look. Kaleb keeps his focus on the mission and does very well hiding our relationship from the guys, which I'm thankful for.
“You each have a bag with your gear in it and your fake IDs with clearance back into the US in the event there are any problems. I've given you everything we need to do this without limitations. You'll have heat and night vision capabilities, and your weapons are the ones you're used to using. There's no time to be hesitating even one single fucking second out here. Wear your goddamn vests and headgear with the rest of the clothes and this should go easy.” He pauses to look at me for just a slight second.
“Have each other's backs. This is a ride or die team, and I want you to include Harris and Elliott in on that. I promise you they have the talent to save your asses out here.” His intense stare into his team’s eyes leaves no room for discussion. This is him protecting me. I know this. He knows this.
“If there aren’t any questions, let's load the fuck up and do this. Wear your civilian clothes until we reach Mexico. We’ll have a place to change when we reach the gear that’s already been delivered.” The guys all move to their feet quickly, and I follow just shortly after. I'm moving through the door and past Kaleb when he pulls me back against his chest, closing the door.
“Why are you so fucking distracting? I love watching your eyes when you listen to me talk. You're so damn beautiful it makes my dick hard knowing I'll be taking you away on that trip I promised.” He slides his palm down my arms, and I feel him everywhere. “Have you picked the place?”
“Not yet.” I turn to face him, allowing my hands to touch his chest.
“Well, you need to figure it out, because we leave in about four fucking days.” He leans down to kiss me, and I allow him for a few seconds, kissing him back before we have to make an appearance outside. This time in here goes against everything we planned, and I'm not risking the bullshit if they find out.
“I told Kase and Pierce about us.”
“Kaleb, what the fuck?”
“I had to. They'd have guessed in one fucking second anyway. I wanted them to hear from my mouth I have my head on straight, so they don't start doubting me out there. I'm clear as fuck and they needed to see that.”
“Okay, but they'd better not give me any shit.”
“They won't. Now get out there before I have to tell the rest of those fuckers.” He slaps my ass and opens the door. I give him the eye before I walk out, clearly swaying my ass on purpose until I'm in view of the rest of the team. Let him sit on that.
I take the packet Trevor hands me, then move to the empty seat at the back and immediately start studying. Every single bit of information could make a difference out there. I'm so focused that I miss Kaleb boarding, and before I know it, we’re moving.
I listen to the guys give each other hell and watch Harris join right in. He fits well with these guys; hell, he fits with any team. He's one of those people who could work any room in record time. I'm more the quiet, reserved type when it comes to a group like this. I observe then prove myself with my actions. I've learned that's the only way to shut anyone up anyway.
“Hey Elliott, you too good to cut the shit with us?” Jackson turns to call me out on being impersonal.
“I'm not here to talk to you guys, I'm here to successfully get through this mission. If you want to talk to me, look me up after.” Kaleb’s eyes go wide, and I wait for his smartass mouth, but he holds back whatever he was about to say.
“Damn, didn't peg you for a bitch.” Jackson’s words might've cut deep if I hadn't heard them my whole career. Kaleb doesn't have to say a word this time, because Harris does it for him.
“Shut your fucking mouth. She'll be the one watching your ass out there. You want her hardened and ready for this fucking mission. Stay the fuck out of her head and let her do her thing.”
Jackson looks at me once more, then sits back. I can see his wheels turning, and I have no idea what he's thinking. I'm sure h
e’ll make it clear eventually.
Bullet unbuckles his belt and moves through the tiny space to sit near me. Kaleb turns to face forward, and I return to looking at terrorist information.
“Don't pay any attention to Jackson. He's our social butterfly. He likes to run his mouth, but he's a fucking beast in the field.” I nod slightly, giving him the clarification he's after. I'm good.
“I'm used to the stereotype. It's all good.”
“My name is Kase. I go by Bullet on this team.”
“Nice caller. Do I need to pick mine?” I say, hoping he lets me.
“No, they'll give you one soon if they haven't already.” Oh, great. I can just hear it. Bitch or cunt. Or something along those lines.
“Great, I can't wait.”
“Don't you worry. If you don't like it, Maverick will lay them out. I can already see my boy is whipped.” Well, shit. That didn’t work or last long. I’m curious what all was said now though.
“You can?” He nods with a huge smile, showing off the most perfect teeth I've ever seen.
“Oh yeah. I've known him for more years than I'd like to share, and I've never seen him talk about a woman like he did about you.”
“Please don't tell the others until this is over. I don't want people thinking I fucked my way onto this mission or any others I may get on.”
“I gave my word to Maverick. You don't need a promise from me. Besides, Jade, your work, stamina, and courage speak for itself. It’s not every day a woman achieves what you have. I’m damn proud to have you on this team. I can’t wait to see more women in active duty. In my opinion, they deserve it and they’ve earned it.” I like this guy. He’s honest and not afraid to stand outside the normal realm of thinking.
“Thank you.” I see Kaleb turn around to talk to Harris and watch the features on his face. He's relaxed. He's in his element and ready to thrive. I burn this view into my memory before I go back to studying the enemy.